Protected Area Archives - Cultural Mapping of Panay and Guimaras

February 18, 2026

CMPG

The Crossing Dapuyan Turtles Marine Sanctuary in Barangay Crossing Dapuyan, San Joaquin, Iloilo, is a 2-hectare non-NIPAS protected area mainly known as a nesting site for Olive ridley sea turtles. It features four types of seagrass that attract dugongs and serves as an important habitat for marine life. Turtle nesting usually occurs in October, and the eggs take 45–60 days to hatch, with documented instances of hatchlings being released into the sea. Despite being protected under a local ordinance, the sanctuary lacks complete assessments and faces challenges like stray animals and human disturbances on the nesting beaches. Conservation efforts include ...

Natural Heritage, Protected Area

Lakdayan Island

Iloilo, San Dionisio

February 18, 2026

CMPG

Lakdayan Island is a protected coastal area in San Dionisio, Iloilo, known for its white sand beaches, coral reefs, and rich marine life, making it a popular ecotourism site. The island is home to various plants like coconut and bamboo, and some wildlife including snakes. A local legend tells the tragic love story of Apo Lakay and Matagda, whose secret romance on the island ended in their death due to jealousy. However, it faces threats like typhoons and illegal logging. Conservation efforts are led by the local government.

Natural Heritage, Protected Area

LEGANES INTEGRATED KATUNGGAN ECOPARK (LIKE)

Iloilo, Leganes

February 18, 2026

CMPG

The Leganes Integrated Katunggan Ecopark (LIKE) in Barangays Gua-an and Nabitasan, Iloilo, is a 15-hectare mangrove reserve developed from a typhoon-damaged fishpond, now protected under local ordinances. Through community efforts and partnerships, especially with the Zoological Society of London, the area was restored with mangroves, increasing the species from 6 to 11, and now serves as a biodiversity hub for 49 bird species, including endangered ones. The park features a bamboo bridge, community kitchen, and biodiversity training center, and follows scientific principles for planting and managing mangroves. It plays a big role in local livelihoods through ecotourism, seedling sales, and ...

Natural Heritage, Protected Area

TABONG- TABONG MARSH/ BIRD SANCTUARY

Dumangas, Ermita, Iloilo

February 18, 2026

CMPG

Tabong-Tabong Marsh is a mangrove marshland located in Barangay Ermita, Dumangas, Iloilo, covering about 18,437 square meters. It is home to white egrets, Brahmin Kites or Dapay, as well as rescued wildlife, with some mangroves believed to be over a hundred years old. The marsh filters brackish and seawater, supporting unique fish species like the Alimusan found only in Dumangas. It provides shelter for fish, shellfish, migratory birds, and sea turtles, and serves as a safe place for fishermen during bad weather. The local government is working to declare it a bird and wildlife sanctuary and has started a “Nature ...

Natural Heritage, Protected Area

BULABOG PUTIAN NATIONAL PARK

Dingle, Iloilo, Moroboro

February 18, 2026

CMPG

Bulabog-Putian Protected Landscape in Brgy. Moroboro, Dingle, Iloilo, is a national park under the NIPAS (National Integrated Protected Areas System, RA7586), covering 854.33 hectares with limestone cliffs, caves, and forests. The area features karst topography with 23 caves, some open for tourists, and is home to many unique plants and animals, including endangered species. Historically, the park’s caves were used as hideouts during the 1898 uprising against Spanish rule led by General Adriano Hernandez. It also benefits the local community through tourism and spiritual activities, especially during Holy Week. Conservation efforts include park ranger patrols, tree planting, and visitor education, ...

Natural Heritage, Protected Area

PEDADA INTEGRATED MANGROVE ECOPARK

Ajuy, Iloilo, Pedada

February 18, 2026

CMPG

The Pedada Integrated Mangrove Ecopark (PIME) in Barangay Pedada, Ajuy, Iloilo, is a 17.2-hectare protected water and mangrove reserve established by a local ordinance in 2021. It features a variety of mangrove species, natural and planted, along with coastal forests and breakwaters that help manage siltation and protect the shoreline. The area has cultural stories about supernatural sightings, though these have decreased as the site gained more visitors. Despite protection efforts, the site faces threats like vandalism, storm surges, and trash pollution. Conservation measures include local laws, ongoing mangrove planting by the community, and pending municipal ordinances to strengthen protection ...

Natural Heritage, Protected Area

PAN-AY RIVER WATERSHED FOREST RESERVE (PRWFR)

Capiz, Tapaz

February 18, 2026

CMPG

The Panay River Watershed Forest Reserve (PRWFR) in Tapaz, Capiz, covers about 4,350 hectares and is recognized as a protected Natural Biotic Area for its rich biodiversity and ecological importance. It is home to many native plants and endangered animals, including the Visayan Warty Pig and rare hornbills, which play key roles in the forest ecosystem. The area is mainly inhabited by the Panay Bukidnon Tribe, who help protect the forest while relying on its resources for their livelihood and culture. The reserve provides vital benefits like clean water, climate regulation, and soil protection, while also offering opportunities for ecotourism ...

Natural Heritage, Protected Area

GABUC BIRD SANCTUARY

Capiz, Gabuc, Pontevedra

February 18, 2026

CMPG

The Gabuc Bird Sanctuary in Barangay Gabuc, Pontevedra, Capiz, covers about 60 hectares and is part of a wetland area that includes mangroves, mudflats, and tidal zones. It serves as a safe home for both migratory and local birds, with a 2023 census recording 38 bird species and over 1,000 individual birds like the Philippine duck and Chinese egret. The sanctuary is a source of pride for the local community, who view it as an ecological treasure and are actively involved in its protection. It also helps support the local economy by attracting eco-tourists and birdwatchers, providing income opportunities for ...

Natural Heritage, Protected Area

IBA MARINE RESERVE AND FISH SANCTUARY

Anini-y, Antique, Iba

February 18, 2026

CMPG

The Iba Marine Reserve and Fish Sanctuary is a non-NIPAS (National Integrated Protected Areas System, RA7586) protected area located in Barangay Iba, Anini-y, covering 5.54 hectares. The sanctuary features clear turquoise waters that indicate a healthy marine environment, with varying shades of blue marking the changes in depth. Traditional fishing methods like panalun-ton, pamunit, and panaplik are still practiced, and a regulated open season allows local residents to fish under strict guidelines. The sanctuary provides both livelihood and food to the community while serving as a site for ecological and scientific study. Managed by the local government and MENRO, the ...

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 ...

CROSSING DAPUYAN TURTLES MARINE SANCTUARY

Cultural Mapping Of Panay and Guimaras

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