The Rice Terraces of the Cordilleras are threatened to deteriorate. Drought has been a major problem for the residents. Poverty also plays a vital role in the preservation of the terraces. This leads to abandonment of the terraces to go to urban areas and others opt to venture to tourism and woodcarving business. Harvests were barely enough to their subsistence.

DESIGN CONCEPT In order to help the people of Ifugao, a sustainable development is proposed. HAGDAN NG BUHAY is a central hub which will serve as a drop-off for residents and tourists. The structure aims to sustain the lives of the Ifugao people by giving extra labour income through employment, local business showcase, centralized tourist access and improved transportation access. It aims to sustain culture and heritage by encouraging younger generation to stay and continue their ancestors’ work and educating both residents and tourists about solutions to drought and new technology for farming. It aims to sustain the environment by giving protection and life to the surroundings of the development. The pit stop will live on its name as the forerunner of protection for the Rice Terraces of the Philippine Cordilleras.

PROGRAM The slope protection will hold and stabilize the soil. Water from the weep holes will be collected along with the rainwater. It will be purified for the usage of the structure. A cistern is also introduced to help farmers in times of drought. Ample quantity of water collected is also brought back to the surrounding river.

SELECTION OF LOCATION Banaue, Ifugao was selected as the location of Hagdan ng Buhay because it serves as the hub to the 5 sites of the Rice Terraces of the Cordilleras. Banaue Rice Terraces is not included to the Heritage list due to the presence of numerous modern structures in the area.

CRITERIA

– easy transportation access

– center of all rice terraces in the area

– preserve the 5 sites against modern development, volume of uneducated tourists and waste.