President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. convened a high-level meeting at Malacañan Palace with representatives from urban design firm Palafox Associates and its architectural branch, Palafox Architecture Group, to review a sweeping development initiative for the Ifugao Rice Terraces.
Images from the consultation were shared on official channels by the Presidential Communications Office (PCO), showing the President engaging with the delegation led by renowned urban planner Architect Felino “Jun” Palafox Jr.
The primary focus of the discussion was the proposed Comprehensive Urban, Environmental, Infrastructure and Economic Development Master Plan, which covers both the ancient rice fields and their surrounding local communities.
The multi-pronged framework seeks to blend historical preservation, sustainable agriculture, ecological protection, eco-tourism, infrastructure improvements, and climate resilience to protect the two-millennium-old cultural landmark.
According to government officials, the initiative aims to establish long-term economic support for the local stewards responsible for maintaining the site.
“Nakatuon ang panukala sa pangangalaga ng kulturang Ifugao at pagpapaunlad ng turismo bilang bahagi ng isang mas malawak na plano para sa sustainable development ng lugar,” the PCO said.
“Kabilang dito ang pagpapanatili ng rice terraces at tradisyunal na kaalaman at pagsasaka, pagpapalakas ng kabuhayan ng mga magsasaka at katutubong komunidad, at pagsusulong ng community-led tourism upang mas mapakinabangan ng mga lokal ang turismo,” it added.
Nestled within the rugged Cordillera mountain range in northern Luzon, the historic site is divided into five main clusters: Batad, Bangaan, Hungduan, Nagacadan, and central Mayoyao.
Constructed over two millennia ago, the ancient agricultural wonder holds protected status as a National Cultural Treasure under Presidential Decree Nos. 260 and 1505, enacted in 1973 and 1978. Furthermore, its protection is reinforced by Republic Act No. 10066, also known as the National Cultural Heritage Act of 2010.
The firm heading the design efforts, Palafox Associates, was established in 1989 and ranks among the world’s top architectural practices, having delivered over 1,900 master planning and design projects across 40 countries.