3 Philippines natural parks included in Heritage Parks list

MANILA, Philippines —Three Philippine parks known to be rich in biodiversity were included in the list of Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Heritage Parks, according to the Department of Tourism (DOT).

The addition of the Apo Reef Natural Park in Sablayan, Occidental Mindoro; Turtle Islands Wildlife Sanctuary in Tawi-Tawi and Balinsasayao Twin Lakes Natural Park in Negros Oriental brings the total of ASEAN Heritage Parks in the Philippines to 14, according to a statement from the DOT.

“Each newly recognized park showcases unique ecological and tourism value,” serving as home to various rare and endangered species, said the agency.

The Apo Reef Natural Park “serves as a critical habitat for endangered species such as the Hawksbill Turtle and Whale Shark,” while Turtle Islands got its name for being “ASEAN region’s primary nesting ground for Green Sea Turtles,” the DOT noted.

Rare species like the Visayan warty pig and the Philippine tube-nosed fruit bat are found in the Balinsasayao Twin Lakes Natural Park.

Other ASEAN Heritage Parks include the Agusan Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary, Mount Makiling Forest Reserve, Mt. Apo Natural Park, Mt. Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary, Mt. Inayawan Range Natural Park, Mt. Kitanglad Range Natural Park, Mt. Malindang Range Natural Park, Mts. Iglit and Baco National Park, Mts. Timpoong and Hibok-Hibok Natural Monument, Pasonanca Natural Park and Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park.

Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco praised the inclusion of the three new ASEAN Heritage Parks, saying it was a result of the work of agencies, communities and stakeholders “to protect these invaluable sites, emphasizing the collective efforts required to safeguard the country’s natural heritage.”

“This milestone inspires the DOT to further harmonize environmental conservation with tourism development, ensuring these parks remain ecological havens and world-class destinations adding to the many reasons to love the Philippines,” she added, referring to the DOT’s tourism campaign launched in June 2023.

Aside from being an ASEAN Heritage Park, Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park and Mt. Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary are also UNESCO World Heritage Sites, while Apo Reef Natural Park and Turtle Islands Wildlife Sanctuary are in the “tentative list” of recognition.