Rediscovering The Hidden Terraces Of Negros Occidental

THE PROVINCE of Negros Occidental has been known as the sugarland of the Philippines for producing more than half of the country’s sugar supply.

- Julio P. Yap, Jr.

However, there are more attractions than just vast sugarcane plantations. The province also boasts of its mountain resorts and vacation villas, sparkling white beaches, unique arts and crafts, ancestral homes, and now, its diverse rice and vegetable terraces.

Negros Occidental Tourism Division head Cristine C. Mansinares says the emerging tourism destination is now known as the Codcod Rice and Vegetable Terraces.

The mesmerising terraces are located at the different sitios of Barangay Codcod, an upland village in San Carlos City, which is located very near the foot of the famous Mount Kanlaon.

Since farming is the main source of livelihood of the people of Barangay Codcod, it is not surprising to know that they carved out these very impressive rice and vegetable terraces from the mountainsides in their village.

Thus, Barangay Codcod has been dubbed as ‘The Rice Granary and Vegetable Basket’ of San Carlos City.

With a population of some 13,390 individuals, more than half are farmers who are tilling the majority of the barangay’s 12,637 hectares of mountainous areas.

The crops planted are mostly cabbage, carrots, corn, pechay, onion, radish, squash, ginger, and, of course, rice, and sugarcane.

Different varieties of tropical fruits can also be found in Barangay Codcod, like the jackfruit which is available most of the time, and mango, among others.