Camiguin gets recognition as key part of biodiversity in PH

MAMBAJAO, Camiguin—A Northern Mindanao province formed by nature’s wrath has been officially recognized as the center of one of the most diverse protected landscapes in the country.

On Wednesday, environment officials, the Camiguin provincial government, the Asean Centre for Biodiversity (ACB) and their partners gathered in this provincial capital to witness the launch of the Mounts Timpoong Hibok-Hibok Natural Monument (MTHNM) as the Philippines’ eighth Asean Heritage Park (AHP).

These natural wonders in the volcanic island province of Camiguin, which were officially recognized as AHP in October last year, are the third AHP landmarks in Northern Mindanao, after the Mt. Kitanglad Range Natural Park in Bukidnon province in 2009 and Mt. Malindang Range Natural Park in Misamis Occidental in 2011.

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) has recognized 37 AHPs in Southeast Asia since 1984 when it named the first 11 protected areas in the region.

A fact sheet from ACB, the secretariat for the AHP Programme, described AHPs as “protected areas of high conservation importance, preserving in total a complete spectrum of representative ecosystems of the Asean region.”

“These areas are established to generate greater awareness, pride, appreciation, enjoyment and conservation of Asean’s rich natural heritage, through a regional network of representative protected areas,” it said.

Markers recognizing MTHNM as AHP have been installed in Sitio Itum in Barangay Baylao here to recognize the areas’ importance to the country’s biodiversity.

At ceremonies at the Camiguin provincial convention center here, lawyer Roberto Oliva, ACB executive director, credited the Camiguin local government with its work on the declaration of MTHNM as AHP.

Oliva said with the declaration, Camiguin should expect technical assistance, information sharing and support from the international community to preserve the heritage park.

“My coming here demonstrates how serious we are in realizing your dreams in (preserving your natural resources)… The MTHNM will be the next wonder Asean park,” he said.

Camiguin Rep. Xavier Jesus Romualdo said while his province is the second smallest in the country in terms of population and land area, this “paradise” is packed with natural wonders.

Gov. Jurdin Jesus Romualdo described the AHP declaration as another feather in the cap of Camiguin, which was a result of cooperation between officials and different groups to preserve the local environment.

Merlyn Dumalahay, provincial environment and natural resources officer of Camiguin, said the declaration would boost not just the morale of Camiguinons but improve tourist traffic as well.

These areas, she said, have view decks and other basic amenities for tourists but facilities should be improved and developed to attract more Filipino and foreign visitors to enjoy the heritage park.