The renowned Pasonanca Natural Park was formally unveiled Monday, May 13, as the 52 nd ASEAN Heritage Park, the 10 th in the Philippines and first in Zamboanga Peninsula.
Department of Environment and Natural Resources officials led by Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo Loyzaga, together with Mayor John Dalipe and Congressional Representatives Khymer Adan Olaso of District I and Majority Leader Mannix Dalipe, represented by Champ Dalipe of District II led the unveiling ceremonies.
The historical designation symbolizes a significant stride forward in the country’s commitment to conservation and preservation of natural heritage for future generations.
Spanning an impressive 17,414 hectares, Pasonanca Natural Park stands as a sanctuary of biodiversity within the Zamboanga Peninsula. Its dense dipterocarp forests are home to a rich variety of flora and fauna, including rare and
endangered species like the Mindanao Bleeding-Heart and the critically endangered Philippine Eagle.
The monument erected in honor of this milestone features a pyramid structure, mirroring a tropic pyramid, symbolizing the park’s vast natural diversity. There is also an eagle icon that represents the great Philippine Eagle inhabiting the area.
Secretary Loyzaga urged all stakeholders to redouble their efforts in conserving and sustainably managing Pasonanca Natural Park and other protected areas nationwide.
She stressed the ongoing need to ensure that these natural wonders remain preserved for the benefit of present and future generations. “The park’s ecological completeness and conservation significance serve as a beacon of hope for biodiversity conservation efforts in the region… Its designation as an ASEAN Heritage Park is a testament to the park’s importance on a national and regional scale, highlighting the collective commitment to preserving natural treasures,” Secretary Loyzaga said.
Meanwhile, Mayor John Dalipe expressed heartfelt gratitude to the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity, DENR, local government, partners, and institutions for their unwavering dedication in realizing this recognition.
The event saw the presence of distinguished dignitaries from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Centre for Biodiversity, Zamboanga Water District, Department of Environment Executive Assistant Joaquin Loyzaga,
Undersecretary for Field Operations-Mindanao Joselin Fragada, Undersecretary for Organizational Transformation and Human Resources Augusto Delapeña, Asst. Secretary for International Affairs Marcial Amaro, Undersecretary for Legal and Administration Atty. Ernesto Adobo Jr., to name a few. (Bernadeth Lazaro)