Natural Heritage Archives - Page 8 of 9 - Cultural Mapping of Panay and Guimaras

February 18, 2026

CMPG

Sulangga, commonly known as Kamantigue or Garden Balsam, is a native herbaceous plant found in some barangays of Janiuay, Iloilo. It particularly thrives in most shady areas and is known for seed pods that explode upon touch. The plant is widely cultivated for ornamental purposes, especially with its vibrant flowers that come in a variety of colors including red, pink, white, and purple. It is also believed to have medicinal properties, being traditionally used to treat skin ailments and even dengue fever according to local informants. Though not endangered, this plant suffers from pests like aphids and diseases such as ...

Natural Heritage, Protected Area

MANGROVE FOREST

Iloilo, Iloilo City

February 18, 2026

CMPG

The Mangrove Forest in Iloilo City is a 38-hectare mangrove reserve situated along the Batiano and Iloilo Rivers, dedicated to conserving native mangrove species and promoting sustainable urban ecology. The reserve serves as a haven for biodiversity which has experienced regrowth through natural processes and, unexpectedly, through flood management efforts like the Jaro Floodway. The protected area holds ecological, economic, cultural, and historical significance for the City of Iloilo, as it provides storm protection, serving as fish nurseries, supporting ecotourism, and providing environmental materials for traditional and modern uses. Conservation initiatives include City-led planting programs, multi-stakeholder partnerships, and enforcement of ...

Bodies of Water, Natural Heritage

JALAUR RIVER

Agcalaga, Calinog, Iloilo

February 18, 2026

CMPG

The Jalaur River in Calinog, Iloilo, is the second-longest river in Panay Island and the 17th largest river system in the Philippines. It stretches 123 kilometers from Mt. Baloy to the Guimaras Strait and supporting a 1,503 sq. km basin. It plays a vital role in the region’s agriculture, supplying irrigation to farms and water for domestic use, and is a key component of the Jalaur River Multipurpose Project Stage II for providing hydroelectric energy. Culturally, it is sacred to the indigenous communities in the area, with several spiritual and historical sites located along its banks, featured in epics like ...

Natural Heritage, Plants (Flora)

BALAI LAMOK

Cabatuan, Iloilo

February 18, 2026

CMPG

The Balai Lamok, also known as Salingbobog (Crateva religiosa) is a native perennial tree found in parts of Cabatuan Iloilo. It is known for its greenish-yellow flowers that bloom every summer, and it can grow up to 15 meters in height. The tree serves as habitat to birds and as vital source of nectar to various insects, particularly the pierid butterfly. A balai lamok tree in the town plaza is admired not just for its ornamental value, but also for providing shade during social and recreational activities. It also carries historical importance with the tree being planted in 1935 by ...

Animals (Fauna), Natural Heritage

DARAG

Bingawan, Bulabog, Iloilo

February 18, 2026

CMPG

The Darag chicken (Gallus gallus domesticus), also known as the native chicken of the Philippines, is a hardy, free-range bird known for its flavorful meat and cultural significance. Found in rural areas like Bingawan, Iloilo, it thrives in tropical climates and are commonly raised in backyard farms. Darag chickens play a key role in traditional Filipino cuisine like tinu-om, and are central in rituals such as panghimalay and padugo for blessings and protection. Despite its importance, the breed is endangered due to diseases, limited market demand, and the lack of ample land area for free-range farming. Groups like Panay Darag ...

Natural Heritage, Plants (Flora)

BADIANG

Agusipan, Badiangan, Iloilo

February 18, 2026

CMPG

Badiang, also known as Elephant Ear, is a native herbaceous plant widely found in lowland areas of Iloilo, Philippines. It has large, arrow-shaped leaves and greenish-white flowers, and it produces red, fleshy berries when ripe. Traditionally overlooked and considered useless by locals, the plant has gained ornamental value during the COVID-19 pandemic where its price surged dramatically. Its violet variant holds cultural significance, believed to ward off evil spirits and often placed near homes for protection. Once seen as a weed, it now symbolizes changing perceptions of nature&apos;s overlooked assets.

Animals (Fauna), Natural Heritage

DAPLAK

Iloilo, Mina, Yugot

February 18, 2026

CMPG

Daplak also known as the Philippine Nightjar is a type of bird native to the Philippines and is commonly found in subtropical lowland forests, mangrove forests, and montane forests. It has a mix of mottled brown, gray, and black feathers that help it camouflage during daytime, and it has large heads with large eyes adapted for low-light vision for nocturnal hunting. The daplak primarily feed on flying insects which they catch in mid-air using their wide mouths and specialized bristles on their bills. They often hunt in open areas where insects are abundant and can often be sighted during their ...

Natural Heritage, Plants (Flora)

ROBUSTA COFFEE

Agsirab, Bagongbong, Cabatangan, Iloilo, Lambunao, Panuran

February 18, 2026

CMPG

Kape or robusta coffee thrives in tropical climates and can be found in certain areas in Lambunao, mainly Cabatangan, Panuran, Bagongbong, and Agsirab. Its flowers have a pleasant fragrance, often described as sweet and floral with hints of jasmine or citrus notes. The fruit is called coffee cherry, which resembles a cherry in appearance and has a dark red color when fully ripe. The beans, found inside the cherry, are then dried, roasted, and grounded to make coffee. These are then sold by the community, providing income and employment opportunities. The kape can withstand harsh conditions such as high temperatures, ...

Bodies of Water, Natural Heritage

ULIAN RIVER

Cabatangan, Iloilo, Lambunao

February 18, 2026

CMPG

The Ulian River spans 13,148.46 hectares across the town of Lambunao, Iloilo, traversing through varied topographies and multiple barangays within its extensive meandering course. It is constantly influenced by seasonal changes, where its waters exhibit strong currents during the rainy season and gentle currents during the dry season. Water quality also varies significantly throughout the length of the river, from crystal clear to turbid, influenced by human activity. The river supports rich flora and fauna which serve as sustenance and livelihood for the residents. This includes various fish species such as karpa (carp) and pantat (catfish), and edible plants such ...

Natural Geological and Physiographical/ Land Formations, Natural Heritage

MT. SINGIT

Iloilo, Lambunao, Panuran

February 18, 2026

CMPG

Mount Singit in Lambunao, Iloilo stands 700 meters above sea level and features unique geological formations which has served as home to diverse species of flora and fauna. It also serves as a spiritual haven, drawing pilgrims and devotees during Lent with 14 crosses constructed along its trail commemorating significant events from the Passion of Christ. Beyond its natural beauty, the mountain also holds historical importance, having witnessed events during World War II in Lambunao. Despite this, it faces threats such as deforestation, soil erosion, illegal logging, poaching, and pollution, jeopardizing and endangering its ecosystem. Additionally, the continued presence of ...

SULANGGA

Cultural Mapping Of Panay and Guimaras

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