Mt. Kitanglad in Bukidnon declared Asean Heritage Park

MANILA, Philippines – The Mt. Kitanglad Range Protected Area in Bukidnon has been declared an ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) Heritage Park, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) said.

In a statement, the DENR said the ASEAN Heritage Park declaration was obtained during the 11th annual meeting of ASEAN ministers of environment in Singapore.

DENR Secretary Lito Atienza attended the meeting and pushed for the inclusion of the park in the list, noting that it is one of the priority protected areas in the Philippines established by law.

According to the DENR, protected areas with “unique, diverse and outstanding value” are given the highest recognition as an ASEAN Heritage Park under the ASEAN Heritage Parks program, which aims to promote conservation of the region’s natural heritage.

Mt. Kitanglad is said to host a wide range of biodiversity, as it is home to hundreds of species of plants and animals, and is thus deemed a representation of the ASEAN region.

Atienza said President Arroyo was “very excited and optimistic” that the declaration will further enhance the government’s efforts in not only conserving the country’s biodiversity but also in preserving the culture and tradition of the region.

Atienza said scientists have discovered a source of an anti-malaria drug in the bark of the Cinchona tree, which can be found on Mt. Kitanglad.

Meanwhile, Atienza said Mt. Dulang-dulang, the highest point in the Mt. Kitanglad range (at 2,938 meters above sea level), is a sacred place where indigenous people hold rituals of thanksgiving to the spirits.

Covering an estimated area of about 30,642 hectares, Mt. Kitanglad, according to the DENR, was declared a protected area in 2000 by virtue of Republic Act 8978. 

It is a habitat of the Philippine Eagle, considered one of the largest eagles in the world and among the most endangered.

Rafflesia, the biggest flower in the world, can also be found on Mt. Kitanglad.

The DENR said about 80 percent of the residents in the mountain are indigenous peoples like the Manobos, Talaandigs, Higaonons, Matigsalugs and Umayamnons.

Mt. Kitanglad is the latest addition to the 27 ASEAN Heritage Parks, which include Mt. Apo in Davao and Mt. Iglit-Baco in Oriental Mindoro.

Mt. Kitanglad traverses Malaybalay City and the municipalities of Talakag, Baungon, Libona, Manolo Fortich, Sumilao, Lantapan, and Impasug-ong. – Katherine Adraneda