Misamis oriental: The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) 10 (Northern Mindanao) has announced that the Mount Balatukan Range Natural Park, located in the eastern part of Misamis Oriental, is under consideration for inclusion in the ASEAN Heritage Park list. This development was revealed during a courtesy visit to Misamis Oriental Governor Juliette Uy.
According to Philippines News Agency, DENR-10 Protected Area Management Superintendent Ivy V. Saclote stated that if the park pursues this initiative and passes the validation process, it will become the first ASEAN Heritage Park in Misamis Oriental. Representatives from the ASEAN Center for Biodiversity, along with international validators from Bangkok, Thailand, visited in early February to conduct an on-site validation of the protected area as part of the nomination process.
Saclote expressed gratitude towards the provincial government for its support, particularly in strengthening forest conservation efforts. She noted that Mount Balatukan is one of the province's largest remaining forest areas and serves as a natural buffer against disasters for the municipalities of Balingasag, Lagonglong, Medina, and Claveria, as well as Gingoog City. The park also safeguards adjacent buffer zones, notably in Lagonglong and other areas of Misamis Oriental, and functions as a crucial watershed area.
Additionally, the Balatukan River, originating from the park, is a primary water source for local communities in the province. Saclote highlighted that achieving ASEAN Heritage Park status would elevate the park's international recognition and spotlight its rich biodiversity, including unique endemic flora and fauna found exclusively on the mountain.
Northern Mindanao is home to four ASEAN Heritage Parks: Mount Kitanglad Range Natural Park in Bukidnon, Mount Inayawan Range Natural Park in Lanao del Norte, Mount Hibok-Hibok Natural Monument in Camiguin, and Mount Malindang Range Natural Park in Misamis Occidental. These parks are among the country's 14 designated ASEAN Heritage Parks.
