1,000 hectares in Apayao town now critical biodiversity area

By Dexter A. See

CALANASAN, Apayao – The Cordillera office of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and municipal government here delineated 1,000 hectares of its protected area as “critical biodiversity” as one of remaining frontier of nature in Luzon.

            Paquito Moreno, DENR-Cordillera regional director, said the declared “critical biodiversity area” is reportedly part of the haven of the Philippine eagle and other endemic wildlife species and flora and fauna which must be preserved being part of the remaining ecological pine stand of Luzon.

            “We want the biodiversity of Apayao to be maintained and enhanced because we want to showcase the endemic species of wildlife and flora and fauna not only for the present but also for the future generations of lovers of the environment and the people in general,” Moreno stressed.

Parallel to the province’s Vision of becoming the Agro-Forestry Center and Ecotourist Destination in the Far North, the Local Government of Calanasan, headed by Municipal Mayor Elias K. Bulut Sr., DENR-CAR represented by Regional Executive Director Paquito T. Moreno and the Apayao State College (ASC) represented by the College President, Dr. Nieves A. Dacyon, converged for a historical Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for the sustainable preservation and protection and enhancement of the environment in the area.

For her part, Dacyon, who was able to personally one of the Philippine eagles living in the area through a telescope, said the Apayao, especially Calanasan is really gifted with rich natural resources, rain forests and watersheds which must be preserved and be used as an asset in the province’s growth as one of the remaining ecotourism destinations and agro-forestry areas in the north.

The said memorandum aims to protect and develop the 997.98 hectares of land area located at the Eva Garden, Calanasan Apayao for the benefit of the present and future generations; hence the Calanasan Biodiversity Integrated Research and Development Center (CBIRDC)—a joint project of LGU-Calanasan, DENR-CAR, and ASC which will take responsibility and accountability in protection, development and management of the area.

Dr. Dacyon said “it was her first time to see the rare Philippine eagle from a one kilometre distance” that is why it is inspiring to help in preserving and protecting the haven of rare species of wildlife and flora and fauna for the benefit of future generations of people living in the communities surrounding the declared “critical biodiversity area.”

“These initiatives host efforts to adapt into climate change, fortify selected existing biodiversity resources within the province, undertake relevant and innovative researches publishable to regional and national journals, conduct timely extension, conduct rehabilitation/restoration of denuded areas and promote eco-tourism,” Dr. Dacyon stressed.

Moreover, Dacyon cited the attainability of these programs is gradual through strengthened linkage, formulation, organization and implementation research projects and studies through participatory approach, implementation of extension services, and conduct of student and faculty researches to which ASC is a direct participant.

“ASC is proud and thankful to be a part of this endeavor. This is one ultimate initiative in resolving the issue on climate change which resulted to unprecedented disasters over the different provinces of the country, Typhoon Yolanda for example,” she added.

Dr. Dacyon expressed her gratitude to the LGU and DENR in recognizing the importance of Research and Development initiatives and stressed the Vision of the College as a Biodiversity R & D Centered Higher Education Institution inclined with the province’s Vision.

Consequently, Moreno appreciated the programs being implemented by LGU which are the Kainginero, Kaagapay ka sa Kalikasan (KKK), the Forest Land Use Plan (FLUP) and the Calanasan Biodiversity Integrated Research and Development Center (CBIRDC) as a sign of his encouragement to ASC and LGU to become more collaborative and productive.

The signing of the MOA signals not the end of the partnership of the ASC, DENR and LGU in terms of the advocacy on conservation and protection of nature and biodiversity; instead, it opens more opportunity to craft more memoranda, ponder on researches centered on biodiversity and implement programs for the common good.

Rep. Leah Bulut-Begtang said that it is because of strong “political will” that such dreams are come true for Apayao. It is also her who said that there are no such impossibilities if it is for the benefit of the many.

Hence, it sets forth confidence for the Apayao communities that development will come very handy through unity and diversity.