By Mary May A. Abellon
DIPOLOG CITY – Roservirico A. Tan, chief of the Regional Public Affairs Office (RPAO) of the Department
of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)-9 said that Zamboanga del Norte is
home of five declared protected areas in the region during the recently
concluded 1st Regional Ecotourism Summit
on Dec. 5-6, 2013 held at Mibang Hotel this city.
“Zamboanga del Norte
recorded the highest number of protected areas in the region and in the
Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) with the islands of Aliguay,
Selinog and Murcielagos, the Siocon Resource Reserve and the Jose Rizal
Memorial Protected Landscape,” Tan disclosed.
He added that Zamboanga
del Sur has two protected areas, namely, Mt. Timolan and Dumanquillas Bay. The
Buug Natural Biotic Area is the protected area in Zamboanga Sibugay while the Pasonanca
Natural Park is the protected area in Zamboanga City.
On the other hand, the
ARMM which is still under DENR-9’s jurisdiction has two protected areas: the
Turtle Islands in Tawi-Tawi and Mt. Dajo National Park in Jolo, Sulu.
The summit aimed to raise
awareness among stakeholders on the protection and conservation of natural
resources, wildlife sanctuary, natural biotic areas, protected landscape and
seascapes, natural parks and monument.
“This convention will not
only provide awareness on the protection of terrestrial and marine sanctuaries
but also, in a way, boost the economic condition of the community living within
these areas. With the natural wonders their place has to offer, more tourists
will be captivated and enthralled to visit,” Tan explained.
He added that once the people
are aware of the importance and benefits [of these things] in the community,
they themselves will advocate their protection and preservation.
On the part of the
provincial government, Zamboanga del Norte Governor Roberto Y. Uy represented
by 3rd District Board Member Ruth M. Brillantes promised that the provincial
leadership will do its part in the protection and conservation of the
ecological system and will make sure that “the commerce and trade operating
within the province will conform not only with the laws of man but also with
the laws of God.”
It can be recalled that Governor
Uy recently requested the Sangnguniang Panlalawigan to pass a law declaring
barangay Linay of Baliguian town as protected area for wildlife and endangered
species with the discovery of the Monkey-Eating Eagle popularly known as
Philippine Eagle, tarsier or locally known as Basing, Deer or Binaw, unique
monkeys and many others.
