摘要：In the Philippines, many indigenous peoples such as the Ifugaos in Cordillera Mountains havecontinued to thrive in their relatively remote yet self-sufficient communities. Notwithstandingthe transformations of many indigenous knowledge systems, practices that help promoteforest sustainability have remained intact. This article aims to identify and describe keyindigenous practices in the woodlot and watersheds collectively known as muyong inIfugao communities. Data were obtained through focus group discussions and key informantinterviews with selected local farmers in Kiangan and Hungduan municipalities in Ifugaoprovince. The recognition of the mutual connections between forests and rice terraces as atraditional belief is deeply ingrained in the heart and mind of Ifugaos. This tradition promotessustainable forest management as expressed in their respect to customary laws pertaining toland rights, adoption of upland cultivation practices following soil and water conservationprinciples, stand management to promote ample supply of wood and fuel wood, andbiodiversity protection. However, these knowledge systems are slowly disappearing due tothe changing needs and interests of the indigenous peoples as well as the proliferation ofgovernment programmes to modernize farming technologies. Hence, the government, NGOsand other concerned stakeholders need to continuously support programmes in order toprotect the aesthetic and traditional value of the Ifugao landscapes.
