Forest Fire Forces Closure of Batad Rice Terraces Pathway
By: Dave Leprozo, Jr
Batad, Banaue – April 19, 2026 A forest fire has struck the world-famous Batad Rice Terraces, a UNESCO World Heritage site, prompting the local government to temporarily close the area to tourists. The incident mirrors similar forest fires recently reported in other Cordillera provinces, including Mt. Province and Benguet.
Barangay Captain Romeo P. Heppog issued an advisory informing tourist guides, as well as local and foreign visitors, that effective April 19, the pathway from the Blue House down to Tappiya Falls will remain closed until further notice. Authorities cited the danger of falling rocks along the cliffside trail following the fire.
As an alternative, tourists may take the route via the Budyu Hanging Bridge, proceeding along the river before ascending to Tappiya Falls to reach Batad.
Local officials urged visitors to exercise extra caution and strictly follow safety guidelines while the site undergoes recovery measures. The closure underscores the vulnerability of heritage landscapes to natural hazards and the need for heightened environmental protection in the Cordillera region.
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