Through the Lens: Exploring the Philippines’ Protected Areas

The Philippines, renowned as one of the world’s 18 megadiverse nations, harbors an astounding variety of ecosystems that are vital to its unique and threatened species. Home to five percent of the world’s plant species and a rich variety of endemic plants and terrestrial wildlife, the nation has established legal protection for these invaluable resources through the National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS) Act of 1992, which was further strengthened in 2018 by the Expanded NIPAS Act covering 248 protected areas (PAs).

Research by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Biodiversity Management Bureau (DENR-BMB) has shown that, today, the PAs are facing significant challenges, including threats from inappropriate development, land encroachment, agricultural expansion, unregulated tourism, and invasive species.

To provide insights into these challenges, the DENR-BMB and Senator Loren Legarda produced the documentary series “Our Fragile Earth: Protected Areas of the Philippines,” which underscores the critical need for collaborative efforts in protection.

“This documentary series aims to put forward the stories of the protected areas as we continue to realize our commitments in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. We hope that through these PA documentaries, we can educate more people about our PAs and inspire them to produce contents that promote PA protection and conservation,” Marcial C. Amaro, Jr., Assistant Secretary for Biodiversity and concurrent Director of the DENR-BMB said.

The first three seasons of the documentary series have featured 38 PAs and five (5) conservation areas. Season 4, which is launching this month, will feature eight (8) more Philippine protected areas in newly produced episodes: Mts. Iglit-Baco Natural Park in MIMAROPA, Siargao Island Protected Landscape in Caraga Region, Northern Negros Natural Park in Western Visayas, Palaui Island Protected Landscape and Seascape in Cagayan Valley Region, Mt. Pulag Protected Landscape in the Cordillera Administrative Region, Buhi Wildlife Sanctuary in the Bicol Region, Naga-Kabasalan Protected Landscape in Zamboanga Peninsula and the Olango Island Wildlife Sanctuary in Central Visayas.

“Over the years, we have shone a spotlight on the wonders, beauty, and challenges of our protected areas. While I have my personal favorites, this season of Fragile Earth feels even more special: to witness the breathtaking sunrise atop Mt. Pulag in the Cordilleras; to follow the remarkable migratory journey of waterbirds at Olango Island; to explore the ancient caves and rock formations of Naga-Kabasalan; and to experience the other magnificent sanctuaries we will showcase throughout our archipelago. These majestic landscapes and their extraordinary creatures remind us how fortunate we are to call this country our home,” Environment champion Senator Loren Legarda said.

The series will air on the ABS-CBN News Channel (ANC) on June 28, July 5, 12, and 19, 2025, at 4:30 p.m., with replays following the next day. As Senator Legarda, principal author of the ENIPAS Act, advocates, understanding and valuing our protected areas is essential for their conservation. This documentary serves as a pivotal tool in educating the public and inspiring action, reinforcing the necessity of biodiversity preservation in the Philippines.

“As principal author of the ENIPAS Act, I see these protected areas as living proof that sound policy, everyday actions, and shared commitment will safeguard the very foundation of our future. As such, we will not squander our bounty. As Filipinos—stewards of this fragile Earth—it is our duty to preserve these sanctuaries not only in heart and spirit but in deed, for generations yet to come,” she added.

Senator Loren Legarda is the principal author and co-sponsor of Republic Act No. 11038 or the ENIPAS Act which was enacted into law on June 22, 2018.

Our Fragile Earth: Protected Areas of the Philippines Season 4 is produced by the DENR-BMB in collaboration with the Office of Senator Loren Legarda. ###