15th Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Altered Images
Sierra Madre and the Golden Rice

Philippines, one of the most glamorous countries in Asia have its seven thousand one hundred seven islands that symbolize the identities and pride of the Filipino heritage. The mighty Sierra Madre Mountain covers four historic provinces in northern Philippines: Pangasinan, Aurora, Nueva Eciija, and Quezon. Its glorious natural resources of several species such as reptiles, wild animals and trees truly contribute to the balance of nature. It sustains life as a new beginning. It saves lives of the inhabitants when strong typhoons visit the area. However, illegal logging activities in the past decades had contributed to the lives that lost due to flooding. But the people themselves, with government support had initiated tree planting drives to protect the environment. The golden plain, which is the primary source of food of the inhabitants, is a great symbol of its richness. The infrastructure, road developments represent modernization. Gabaldon, Nueva Ecija, a small town facing the Sierra Madre is the crown holder of being the rice granary of the region. The farmers, which the author wishes to salute, this piece of art is dedicated to all of them. The beauty of the Sierra Madre Mountain and the Golden Rice in the plains are the pride of the Filipino heritage in this particular area in northern Philippines, and so to speak, in this glorious part of our Mother Earth.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 04.2015
Date Uploaded: 11.2017
Photo Location: Cabanatuan, Philippines
Camera: NIKON D3100
Copyright: © herwin barcelona