As a stroke of prodigious concern to save and conserve Mt. Apo Natural Park, its substantially significant biodiversity including the wildlife species that habituate in it, a plan to put up a Wildlife Rescue Center has been keenly talked through during the 2-day multi-stakeholder roundtable discussion held in Davao City last November 23-24, 2022.
The past years, the Protected Area Management Board (PAMB) chaired by the DENR’s Regional Executive director had brought changes to the policies and regulations in the country’s highest peak. This includes regular conduct of camp, trail and biodiversity assessment and monitoring.
With several concerns which stemmed from abusive human activities, it landed into an order for regular 3-month closure which covers August-October of every year. It is, by virtue of PAMB-EnBanc Resolution No.06, Series of 2021, that mandates to give MANP a period to rest and recover from camping activities and for wildlife species have their “undisturbed” space and time.
Being one of the country’s Key Biodiversity Area and to step up the protection and conservation efforts for the hundreds of wildlife species within MANP, a Wildlife Rescue Center is being contemplated to put up in it through the conduct of the aforementioned Joint Planning and Programming Workshop.
Result of the said meeting resulted to having a middle ground on policies and regulations, identifying location and finally closing an agreement and signing of commitment and support from the stakeholders through a ceremony.
Proposed location for the said 20—hectare rescue center is in So. Binaton, Digos City, Davao del Sur.
Said activity was instigated by Mindanao Development Authority in partnership and consultation with DENR Regions 11 and 12, heads of the Local Government Units of concerned regions and some private sectors.
PENR Officer of Davao del Sur Alberto Bandiola came to represent RED Bagani Fidel Evasco and delivered the office’s statement through his closing remarks.
