Bontoc, Philippines — A 2026 study by Wylleth Praise Gaston Sacyaten of the University of Baguio highlights the growing threat to baliling, a traditional post-rice farming practice in Barangay Bayyo, Mountain Province. Published in the East Asian Journal of Multidisciplinary Research, the study shows that this indigenous agricultural system remains highly sustainable but is steadily disappearing due to shifting social priorities, modernization, and climate pressures.
Baliling is a traditional method used after rice harvest, where farmers turn over the soil, improve aeration, and create planting beds for secondary crops such as sweet potatoes and legumes. This approach allows continuous land use throughout the year while maintaining soil fertility without relying on chemical inputs.
The findings come at a time when global discussions on food security and climate change are intensifying. Traditional systems like baliling demonstrate how local knowledge can offer practical, low-cost solutions to modern agricultural challenges. In Barangay Bayyo, farming is central to daily life, and baliling has long been part of a sustainable cycle that connects food production with environmental stewardship.
The research was conducted using a qualitative descriptive approach. Sacyaten worked closely with five key informants, including farmers and community members, gathering insights through interviews, field observations, and participation in the Baliling Festival held in November 2024. This method provided a grounded understanding of both the technical process and the cultural meaning behind the practice.
The study identifies several strengths of baliling that remain highly relevant today. The system supports continuous land productivity, as rice fields are not left idle after harvest. Soil health is preserved through organic methods, including the use of natural plant materials as fertilizer. The process of turning the soil also helps control pests such as golden apple snails without the need for pesticides. In addition, farmers benefit from crop diversification, which improves household food security and income stability.
Despite these advantages, the practice is declining. One of the main drivers is a shift in labor patterns. Younger generations are increasingly moving away from agriculture, seeking employment in urban areas or other sectors that offer more immediate financial returns. Traditional farming methods like baliling are often viewed as labor-intensive and less attractive compared to modern alternatives.
Lifestyle changes are also playing a role. The growing presence of digital technology, including smartphones, has influenced how younger people spend their time and perceive agricultural work. This shift in attention has contributed to a weakening of intergenerational knowledge transfer, which is essential for sustaining practices like baliling.
Environmental challenges further complicate the situation. Farmers report unpredictable weather patterns, irregular rainfall, and declining crop yields. In some cases, crops begin to grow but fail before harvest, reflecting the increasing impact of climate change even on adaptive traditional systems. These conditions create uncertainty and discourage continued reliance on labor-intensive practices.
In response, the local community has taken steps to preserve and promote baliling. The Baliling Festival, launched in 2023, serves as a cultural and educational platform to revive interest in the tradition. The event includes live demonstrations, community activities, and digital storytelling initiatives aimed at engaging younger audiences. By combining tradition with modern communication tools, the festival seeks to keep baliling relevant in a changing world.
The study emphasizes that baliling is more than a farming technique. It represents a broader socio-ecological system that integrates environmental knowledge, cultural identity, and community cooperation. Sacyaten notes that the practice reflects a deep understanding of land management that has been refined over generations.
Sacyaten of the University of Baguio explains that preserving baliling requires more than local effort. Institutional support, policy integration, and educational inclusion are needed to ensure that such indigenous knowledge systems are not lost. Without these measures, traditional practices risk disappearing within a single generation.
The implications of this research extend beyond the Philippines. As countries seek sustainable agricultural solutions, systems like baliling offer valuable insights into low-cost, environmentally friendly practices that can complement modern technologies. The study also highlights the importance of cultural preservation in addressing global challenges, particularly in rural and indigenous communities.
By documenting the current state of baliling and the factors affecting its survival, the research provides a foundation for policymakers, educators, and development organizations to design strategies that support both sustainability and cultural continuity.
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