Banaue is a 4th class municipality in the province of Ifugao, Cordillera Region, Philippines. It is famous all over the world for its magnificent rice terraces.

Profile of Banaue Municipality (Geography)
Location –> Central part of Ifugao (See map below)
Distance from Manila –> 386 kilometers
Distance from Baguio –> 208 kilometers via Halsema Highway
Neighboring Towns –> Bontoc in Mountain Province (north), Mayoyao (east), Lagawe (south), Hingyon and Hungduan (west)
Area –> 191.20 km2 (73.82 sq mi)
Population –> 20,652 (2020 Census)
Terrain –> Mountainous
Industries –> Agriculture, Trading
Major Products –> Rice, Corn, Vegetables, Handicraft, Wooden Furniture
People/Language –> Ifugao, Ilocano, Tagalog, English
Barangays –> 18
Revenue (2016) –> 83,135,392.46
Legislative District –> Lone
Government Officials
Go here to see the elected municipal officials of Banaue.

History of Banaue

Banaue is one of the oldest towns of Ifugao but its area and population decreased when some barrios were separated to form Hungduan and Hingyon municipalities.

Banaue was already a thriving and civilized settlement thousands of years ago, long before the arrival of foreign powers in the Philippines. The most compelling proof of this ancient civilization is the Banaue Rice Terraces—hand-carved stairways of stone and earth etched into the mountains by the ancestors of the Ifugao people. These terraces, estimated to be over 2,000 years old, showcase remarkable engineering skills, a deep understanding of irrigation, and a communal spirit rooted in harmony with nature. The creation and maintenance of the terraces required not only physical labor but also a highly organized society with shared beliefs, rituals, and agricultural cycles.

The origins of the Ifugao people who settled in Banaue are traced by some scholars to early Austronesian migrants from southern China and Taiwan, who moved into Luzon through Cagayan Valley. Others suggest they were early settlers from the lowland areas who retreated into the mountains to escape colonization and maintain their cultural independence. Over time, these people developed a unique way of life, centered on rice cultivation, ancestor worship, and wood carving, which shaped the cultural landscape of Banaue for centuries.

Despite the Spanish colonization of the Philippines, Banaue and much of the Cordillera region remained largely untouched due to its rugged terrain and the fierce independence of its people. It was only during the American period in the early 1900s that Banaue was formally organized as a municipal district. Missionaries and educators introduced Western education and Christianity, though traditional practices continued to thrive. In 1963, President Diosdado Macapagal signed Executive Order No. 42, elevating Banaue to a regular municipality. This was followed by the creation of Ifugao as a separate province in 1966, giving Banaue more autonomy in local governance.

In recognition of its cultural significance, the Banaue Rice Terraces were declared a National Cultural Treasure in 1973. Although modern development led to the exclusion of Banaue’s central terraces from UNESCO’s 1995 World Heritage list, nearby clusters in Batad and Bangaan were included. Today, Banaue stands as a symbol of indigenous resilience and pride. In 2024, the town celebrated its first official founding anniversary, honoring its leaders and heritage. From its ancient beginnings to its ongoing journey of preservation and progress, Banaue remains a living monument to the ingenuity and soul of the Filipino highland people.

Economy of Banaue

Most of the people in Banaue depend on agriculture for their source of income. Rice and sweet potato are the most important farm products. At the town center are found several lodges, inns, restaurants, groceries and hardware stores. Many people serve as tourist guides and drivers.

Tourist Spots in Banaue

Banaue Rice Terraces – Go here to see profile and photos of Banaue Rice Terraces
Chapah Waterfall
Tam-an Village
Batad Rice Terraces
Tappiya Waterfall in Batad
Bangaan Rice Terraces
Ducligan Village and Rice Terraces
Ducligan Hot Spring and Swimming Pool
Ducligan Snake River

Festivals in Banaue

Imbayah Festival
Feast of the Immaculate Conception

Map of Banaue Municipality in Ifugao Province

See also: Profile of Mayor John “Doc Wes” Apilis Dulawan , Governor Jerry Dalipog