New Heritage Park Declared in the Philippines

The Philippines has a new heritage park. The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has declared Mt. Kitanglad Mountain Range in Bukidnon, southern Philippines, as new Heritage Park and protected area. The announcement was made in Singapore during the ASEAN 11th meeting of the Asean ministers of environment. Philippines' Secretary of Environment and Natural Resources, Lito Atienza, pushed for the inclusion of the Mt. Kitanlad Range as the newest heritage park in the Philippines. Philstar.com reports:According to the DENR, protected areas with “unique, diverse and outstanding value” are given the highest recognition as an ASEAN Heritage Park under the ASEAN Heritage Parks program, which aims to promote conservation of the region’s natural heritage. Mt. Kitanglad is known or its biodiversity, being home to hundreds of plants and animal species that makes the area a fertile ground for these species. Bukidnon in Southern Philippines is basically an agricultural area and home to the banana, sugarcane and pineapple plantations. Dole and Del Monte are maintaining huge plantations of exportable bananas and pineapples in the province. The area is seldom hit by typhoons making it an ideal place for agricultural development. Mt. Kitanglad has an area of more than 30,000 hectares. It is also home to cinchona tree which is a source of anti-malaria drug, according to scientists. The highest point in the mountain range is Mt. Duladulang which has a peak of 2,899 meters above sea level. It is also a sacred place for indigenous people. The Philstar.com report added:

It is a habitat of the Philippine Eagle, considered one of the largest eagles in the world and among the most endangered.

Rafflesia, the biggest flower in the world, can also be found on Mt. Kitanglad.

Philippine president Gloria Macapagal Arroyo was reportedly pleased by the Asean declaration as it will enhance the government's efforts in preserving the country's natural resources