Legarda Commends Davao Oriental for Conservation of Mt. Hamiguitan

Senator Loren Legarda today commended the provincial government of Davao Oriental and its local community for the conservation of Mount Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary, which is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Legarda, Chair of the Senate Committee on Environment and Natural Resources, personally congratulated Davao Oriental Governor Corazon Malanyaon during the province’s 47th anniversary celebration held in Mati City.

The Senator also filed Senate Resolution 735 to commend the collaborative efforts of the provincial government, its citizens and the Protected Area Management Board in conserving the wildlife sanctuary.

“By successfully inscribing the Mount Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary as a World Heritage Site, the Philippines commits to the international community its strong support for the conservation of its rich flora and fauna,” Legarda explained in the Resolution.

The World Heritage Committee highlighted that the high level of endemicity of its habitat is significant for putting the Philippines in 7th place among the 17 biologically rich countries in the world.

“This recognition highlights the need to safeguard the biodiversity and natural heritage of the wildlife sanctuary and its surrounding watershed areas and forests,” said Legarda.

“Congratulations to the government and people of Davao Oriental for the great effort you all exerted towards this achievement. May you continue to be champions of environmental conservation and encourage other Filipinos to be the same,” she added.

Mount Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary is officially the 6th World Heritage Site in the Philippines. Other UNESCO Heritage Sites in the country are Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, Baroque Churches of the Philippines, Rice Terraces of the Philippine Cordilleras, Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, and the Historic City of Vigan.