Zambo. Norte home to 5 protected areas in region 9, says DENR 9

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 1^st 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 3^rd 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.

The governor vowed that the provincial government will continue to help and support the DENR, Department of Agriculture, Department of Agrarian Reform and other national agencies in the protection of our environment so that “all can live a healthy life and the next generation can happily inherit this earth.” (PIA9)