25 Years of Conservation: Legarda Hails Milestone for Sibalom Natural Park

Senator Loren Legarda on Wednesday marked the 25th anniversary of the declaration of Sibalom Natural Park as a protected area, calling it a “living legacy of conservation” and reaffirming her commitment to safeguarding the country’s biodiversity-rich landscapes.

Declared under Proclamation No. 282, s. 2000, Sibalom Natural Park in the province of Antique covers one of the last remaining lowland rainforests on Panay Island. As the principal author of the Expanded National Integrated Protected Areas System (E-NIPAS) Act of 2018, Senator Legarda expanded its legislated protection from 5,511.47 hectares to 6,778.44 hectares, strengthening safeguards for its vital ecosystems.

“Twenty-five years ago, we made a promise to protect this land. Today, we see the fruits of that promise. The Sibalom Natural Park stands as proof that conservation works when it is rooted in community care and backed by strong policy,” said Legarda.

The natural park is home to several unique and threatened species, including the Rafflesia speciosa, known as the world’s largest flower, and the towering Amorphophallus. Endemic birds such as the Walden’s Hornbill and Tarictic Hornbill also find sanctuary within its forest cover, which serves as a vital watershed for the region.
“Sibalom Natural Park is a symbol of Antiqueño pride and ecological resilience,” Legarda emphasized. “It nourishes our water sources, shelters our endemic wildlife, and connects our people to the rhythms of nature.”

In 2022, Senator Legarda and Congressman Antonio Agapito “AA” Legarda Jr. inaugurated the Sibalom Natural Park Ecotourism Facilities, positioning the area as a flagship terrestrial ecotourism destination in Western Visayas. The initiative complements national programs that have directed reforestation funding and soil and water conservation measures to the park.

“Our work here doesn’t end with preservation but extends to sustainable development. By creating ecotourism opportunities, we bring livelihood to communities while deepening the public’s appreciation for our natural heritage,” Legarda added.

She also acknowledged the ongoing role of local communities, the Protected Area Management Board (PAMB), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) officials, environmental defenders, and partner institutions in maintaining the park’s integrity.

“Let this milestone remind us: when we begin the work of protection today, we sow the seeds for a flourishing tomorrow,” said Legarda. “The success of Sibalom Natural Park is a story of shared responsibility and a call to do even more for our planet.” (30)

Kalikasang Iningatan, Ngayo’y Ipinagdiriwang! Legarda, Pinasalamatan ang 25 Taon ng Sibalom Natural Park

“Buhay na patunay na gumagana ang pangangalaga sa kalikasan!” — ‘yan ang mensahe ni Senator Loren Legarda sa pagdiriwang ng ika-25 anibersaryo ng Sibalom Natural Park nitong Miyerkules bilang isang opisyal na protected area sa ilalim ng Proclamation No. 282, s. 2000.

Ayon kay Legarda, isa ito sa mahalagang tagumpay ng mga Antiqueño at ng buong bansa pagdating sa environmental protection.

Bilang pangunahing may-akda ng Expanded National Integrated Protected Areas System (E-NIPAS) Act of 2018, pinalawak ni Legarda ang sakop ng proteksyon ng naturang batas sa Sibalom Natural Park mula sa dating 5,511.47 hectares hanggang 6,778.44 hectares.

“Dalawampu’t limang taon na ang nakalipas nang mangako tayong iingatan ang kagubatang ito. Ngayon, kita na natin ang bunga ng pangakong ‘yan,” ani Legarda. “Ang Sibalom Natural Park ay buháy na pamana ng kalikasan.”

Sa loob ng Sibalom, makikita ang Rafflesia speciosa—ang pinakamalaking bulaklak sa buong mundo. Higit pa dito, makikita din sa natural park ang isa sa pinakamataas na uri ng bulaklak sa mundo, ang Amorphophallus. Dito rin naninirahan ang mga bihirang ibon tulad ng Walden’s Hornbill at Visayan Tarictic Hornbill. Pati na rin ang Visayan warty pig ay makikita sa naturang natural park.

Bukod sa pagiging tirahan ng mga hayop, ito rin ay mahalagang watershed na nagbibigay ng tubig sa paligid.

“Noon pa man, alam na nating kayamanan ng Antique ang Sibalom. Pero ngayon, lalo itong napatunayan. Dito nag-uugat ang buhay, kabuhayan, at pagkakakilanlan ng ating mga kababayan,” dagdag ni Legarda.

Noong 2022, kasama ang kanyang kapatid na si Congressman Antonio Agapito “AA” Legarda Jr., pinasinayaan nila ang bagong Ecotourism Facilities ng parke. Isa itong hakbang para gawing pangunahing terrestrial ecotourism destination ng Kanlurang Visayas ang Sibalom.

“Hindi lang tayo basta nangangalaga, kundi nagbibigay rin ng kabuhayan sa mga komunidad sa paligid. Ang ecotourism ay daan para mas makilala, mapahalagahan, at maprotektahan pa lalo ang ating kalikasan,” ani Legarda.

Nagpasalamat din si Legarda sa mga mamamayan sa lokalidad, sa Protected Area Management Board (PAMB), mga opisyal ng Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), mga environmental advocates, at mga lokal na pamahalaan na katuwang sa pag-aalaga ng parke sa loob ng higit sa dalawang dekada.

“Ang Sibalom Natural Park ay kwento ng pagkakaisa para sa kalikasan. Nawa’y magsilbing paalala ito na kung magsisimula tayong mag-ingat ng likas na yaman ngayon, sisibol at uunlad ang kalikasan bukas,” ayon kay Legarda. (30)