MAPANAWIL RICE TERRACES: ANOTHER BAUKO TERRACES CLUSTER OF THE MOUNTAIN PROVINCE

 Location:  Barangay Bagnen Proper, Bauko, Mountain Province, Philippines

The extensive Mapanawil Rice Terraces (Photo credit: Angela Andrada)

In this post, it showcases this rice terraces in different time of the day and month/season.   Some of the pictures belong to me and others to my good friend, may suki and reliable tour guide in Bauko, Angela Andrada, and yes she is also a good photographer.   She will always suggest the best angle to her clients.

Capture in a planting season in the month of February captured at 1:45 P.M.

(Photo credit: Angela Andrada)

February is not a part of rainy season in Bauko, since it falls squarely within the dry season and the cooler northeast monsoon period.  The farmers in Bauko use irrigation to supply water for planting rice.  At the same time, this month is one of the best months for outdoor activities, mountain climbing and tour guiding activities.

Taken in July 2 of the year at 7:22 A.M.

The photo above shows that rice in the terraces is almost for harvest.   In Bauko, growing traditional and premium heirloom rice varieties typically takes about 5 to 6 months (roughly 150 to 180 days) from planting to harvest, depending on the specific landrace and the highland climate.  Farmers in Bauko cultivate distinct traditional and heirloom rice landraces such as Balatinaw, Pinpinta, alongside local upland/indigenous Red Rice and Brown Rice selections.  Heirloom rice landraces are traditional, open-pollinated rice varieties passed down through generations by indigenous farming communities.  Unlike modern commercial strains, these unique grains are naturally adapted to local climates and mountain soils, often featuring distinct colors, rich nutty flavlors, and deep cultural roots.

The misty morning backdrop of Mapanawil Rice Terraces

I happened to pass this point coming from my accommodation from Iyaman Farm Resort to Bagnen Proper, where the jump-off point of my 7 Peaks of Bauko Climb awaits.  It was just a few minutes boarding in a service vehicle.  It means that Mapanawil Rice Terraces is quite accessible as it is along local trekking and rugged connecting road passable by a vehicle.

Captured at 8:40 A.M. (Photo credit: Angela Andrada)

By the way, Barangay Bagnen Proper is one of the two barangays --- along with Bagnen Oriente --- that were formed when the former single large village of Bagnen was divided. Barangay Bagnen Oriente is the primary jump-off point of Mount Polis.

Another capture of the terraces at 7:00 A.M. of July 2

What is the significance of rice terraces then?  They are significantly useful in agriculture as they turn steep unusable mountain slopes into flat, step-like farm fields.  This smart design holds standing water for crops like rice, stops heavy rain from washing away the soil, and slows down water flow to prevent destructive floods and landslides.

Taken at 7:35 A.M. of March 10 (Photo credit: Angela Andrada)

Mapanawil Rice terraces belong to the indigenous Kankana-ey heritage of Bauko and serve as a vital local cultural and agricultural landmark for that specific Mountain Province community rather than for Bakun.

For both 7 Peaks of Bauko Climb and Bakun tour, you can count on the expertise of  Angela Andrada and she can be contacted at 09283927662.

THANK YOU FOR READING!