1 Guidelines for the Nomination and Management of ASEAN Heritage Parks
I. Detailed Information
A. Details of Gazettement
Mt. Kitanglad Range Natural Park has been designated as protected area pursuant to Republic Act 8978 also known as the Mt. Kitanglad Range Protected Area Act of 2000. The law has been signed on November 9, 2000 by then President Joseph Ejercito Estrada.
B. Details of size together with a location map of the site
The total area of the park is 47,270 hectares of which 31,236 hectares is the protected area and 16,034 hectares constitute the bufferzone. The protected area has been set-aside to the following management zones (Annex A. Management Zone Map):
Table 1. Mt. Kitanglad Range Natural Park Management Zone Management Zone Area (ha.) Strict Protection Zone 18,643.0 Recreational Zone 233.0 Habitat Management Zone 4,919.0 Cultural Zone 1,265.0 Special Use Zone 944.0 Restoration Zone 5,232.0 Total Area 31, 236.0
Figure 1. Map of the Philippines showing the The park covers seven (7) location site of Mt. Kitanglad Range Natural Park municipalities and one city, all in the Province of Bukidnon, Mindanao
Island, Philippines. MKRNP
Bukidnon Map
Figure 2. Map showing the seven municipalities and one city covered by the Mt. Kitanglad Range Natural Park.
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C. Details of land ownership and use rights within the site
There are two types of occupants living within Mt. Kitanglad bufferzone. These are the Indigenous peoples (IPs - Bukidnon, Higaonon and Talaandig tribes) and the tenured migrants. The IPs comprises 80% of the total population of the park that share common historical and cultural ties. They regarded Mt. Kitanglad as the wellspring of their traditions. The migrants are coming from the other places of the country and are already living in the park on or before July 01, 1987 or five years before the enactment of the National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS) act of 1992. Their possession in the park is accepted and legally recognized.
Land Ownership
The proof of occupancy among the indigenous occupants is generally not based on written documents. It is often based on actual occupancy and some physical improvements of the land. Inheritance of land is also considered proof of occupancy. The actual occupants cultivate an average of 1.6 hectares. However, 45 % cultivate less than one hectare, while 37.4 % cultivate one to two hectares of farmland. There are so-called medium-size farmers who cultivate up to 18 hectares of land, but their number is insignificant (RIMCU Census & Registration).
Considering that protected area management focused on the two (2) main objectives, which are park protection and sustainable development and recognizing the fact that there are already occupants in the park’s bufferzone, our office include these people in our management program making them as partners in implementing environment friendly livelihood activities. As such, they are organized and formed into groups under the government’s Community-Based Improved-upland farming system with “no contour-no Forest Management (CBFM) project assistance policy” is adopted and implemented along and/or Protected Area Community the bufferzone of Mt. Kitanglad. Based Resource Management Agreement (PACBRMA). Beneficiaries are allowed to occupy, cultivate, develop and protect the area for twenty-five years and renewable for another 25 years. They are also tapped as local park protection volunteers to assist in the enforcement of park laws, rules and regulations and at the same time, implement park’s livelihood activities.
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Table 2. List of Community-Based Forest Management/Protected Area Community Based Resource Management Agreement (CBFM/PACBRMA) Within The Mt. Kitanglad Range Natural Park
NAME AREA LOCATION DATE PRESIDENT (has.) ISSUED 1. Basac Upland 517 Basac, March 13, Marlito Wacdas Farmers Lantapan, 2000 Association, Inc. Bukidnon (BUFAI) 2. Mapayag Tribal 350 Mapayag, June 28, Antonio L. Farmers Association Malybalay City 2000 Pechora (MATRIFA)
3. Imbayao Multi- 280 Imbayao, November Benjamin M. Purpose Malaybalay 16, 2001 Maputi, Sr. Cooperative (IMPC) City
4. Kibenton Forest 594 Kibenton, December Juvidy Deconlay Occupants Impasugong, 31, 2000 Association (KiFOA) Bukidnon
5. Bukidnon Associated 350 Dalwangan, November Teodoro Tribal Organization Malaybalay 16, 2001 Dumindin (BATO) City
6. Sil-ipon Indigenous 2,000 Sil-ipon, January 29, Eddie Lingcoran Peoples Association Libona, 2000 (SIPA) Bukidnon
7. Magampong Upland 2,214 Capehan, January 29, Leonardo Farmers Associati Libona, 2000 Pactain on (MUFA) Bukidnon
8. Capehan Lumad 506 Capehan, January 29, Victoriano Farmers Association Libona, 2000 Sinhay ( CALUFA) Bukidnon
9. Intavas 300 Intavas, La November Teodocio Galpo Kasabuwahan hu Fortuna, 04, 2004 Lumad din ta Impasugong, Bufferzone Area Bukidnon (INKALUBA)
10. Dagundalahon 2,215 Dagundalahon, February 19, Robelino T. Lumad Tree Talakag, 1999 Mayagting Producers Bukidnon Association (DALTREPA)
Total 9,326
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Likewise, a Certificate of Ancestral Domain Title (CADT) application has been indorsed by the Mt. Kitanglad Protected Area Management Board (PAMB) and currently under process by the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), Province of Bukidnon. Said CADT application is submitted by the Daraghuyan Tribal Community headed by Bae Inatlawan Adelina D. Tarino with an approximate area of 4,200 hectares covering sitios Mangasa and Inhandig, barangay Dalwangan, Malaybalay City.
User Rights
The park, being the major watershed of Northern Mindanao that supplies lowland communities with water for domestic, irrigation and industrial uses bears significant influence to the growth of region and its adjacent provinces as it poses as one of the natural assets of the province of Bukidnon.
Such endowments that MKRNP influences continued to invite investors and be a part of the trend towards agro-industrialization. Stakeholders surrounding the park depends the sustainability of their operation from the rivers emanating from it. As part of their commitment to restore the environment and for continuous water supply, they commit to support the park’s reforestation activities in the denuded areas specially those raged by fire during the El Niño phenomenon. Telecommunication facilities located atop Mt. Kitanglad. Photo:Trevor Clarke & Danilo Dablo
Likewise, telecommunication companies, radio and television stations share a common goal by paying considerable amount yearly to support site restoration activities of the park.
Resource use and access were likewise entered into through a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) by and between the Mt. Kitanglad PAMB with the following stakeholders:
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Table 3. Water Resource Users
STAKEHOLDER VOLUME OF WATER SOURCE WATER USE DATE WATER SIGNED DISCHARGE 01 City Government of 500 liters Kulasihan river 50 liters per second May 22, Malaybalay per second 2003 02. Local Government 400+ liters Alanib river and 176 liters per second May 22, Unit of Lantapan per second Kalaw-kalaw 2003 creek 03. Sweetbee Farms 50 liters Kabanbananga 10 liters per second January Inc. per second n, Kubayan, 16, 2004 Impasugong, Bukidnon 04. Mount Kitanglad 500 liters Kulasihan river 200 liters per second June 30, Agri-Ventures, Inc. per second 2004
05. Highland high 700-1,000 Tugasan river 350 liters per second July 16, Valued Crops liters per 2004 Produces Multi- second purpose Cooperative 06. Bukidnon Highland 73 liters Gitaan and 43 liters per second March Produce (BHPI) per second Kaliwawa rivers 10, 2005 07. North Kitanglad 427.12 Kumaykay river 5 liters per second March Agricultural liters per 10, 2005 Company second 08. BCCL Breeder farm 500 liters Kulasihan river Included in 50 liters April 17, per second per second of City of 2006 Malaybalay 09. KETCHAM Breeder 500 liters Kulasihan river Included in 50 liters March farm per second per second of City of 05, 2007 Malaybalay 10. Rockville Poultry 500 liters Kulasihan river Included in 50 liters March farm per second per second of City of 05, 2007 Malaybalay 11. RJ Breeder Farm 500 liters Kulasihan river Included in 50 liters March per second per second of City of 05, 2007 Malaybalay 12. MCB Poultry Farm 500 liters Kulasihan river Included in 50 liters March per second per second of City of 05, 2007 Malaybalay 13. C. P. Floricultural 5 liters per Mangima river .508 liter per second Dec. 28, Corporation second 2007
14. Lagura breeder 50 liters Kalatugunan 5 liters per second June 30, farms per second creek 2008
15. Gonzaga Breeder 50 liters Kalatugunan 5 liters per second July 07, farm per second creek 2008 16. 828 Poultry farms 500 liters Kulasihan river Included in 50 liters June 30, per second per second of City of 2008 Malaybalay 17. Ligot Breeder farms 500 liters Kulasihan river Included in 50 liters June 30, per second per second of City of 2008 Malaybalay
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b. Table 4. Land Use
STAKEHOLDER AREA LOCATION USE DATE SIGNED 01. ABS-CBN 300 square Atop Mt. Television April 24, Broadcasting meter Kitanglad summit broadcast facility 1991 Corp. project 02. PHILCOM Corp. 93 square Atop Mt. Telecommunicati June 27, meter Kitanglad summit on relay station 1996 project 03. Radio Mindanao 264 square Atop Mt. Radio August 05, Network meter Kitanglad summit communication 1996 relay station 04. Philippine 100 square Atop Mt. Telegraph and March 20, Telegraph and meter Kitanglad summit Telephone 1997 Telephone 05. National 142 square Atop Mt. Microwave radio June 27, Transmission meter Kitanglad summit relay station 1997 Commission 06. GMA Network, 375 square Atop Mt. Television July 10, Inc. meter Kitanglad summit broadcast facility 1997 project
07. Digitel Mobile 400 square Bufferzone area Cell site June 13, Philippines, Inc. meter of Kalabasahon, tower/Telecomm 2008 Mapayag, unication facilities Malaybalay City
D. Description and map of the natural vegetation of the site, including description of the main features of each vegetation type
There are six (6) major types of habitat in MKRNP. These are the lowland evergreen rainforest, lower montane forest, upper montane forest, grassland, freshwater wetlands and caves.
a. Grasslands
The grasslands are characterized by the dominance of Cogon grass Imperata cylindrica and Saccharum spontaneum. Other grasses and ferns also thrive, especially along banks of creeks, streams, and rivers and on steep slopes.
The grassland area increased in size after the fires razed an estimated
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6,447 hectares of forest in 1982-83. It has replaced forest below 1,200 m. in the entire range, except for residual trees confined mostly to steep riverbanks.
Grassland habitat is of little importance to conservation of species diversity. Only twelve (12) plant species are known in this ecosystem and four (4) are being used by local communities. However, it serves as feeding area for Philippine Brown Deer. Likewise, species of Woodcock believed to be a new discovery to science had been recorded in this ecosystem during the survey conducted by Dr. Robert S. Kennedy, et al. (Cincinnati Museum of Natural History, 1995) and during the faunal inventory conducted by NORDECO at Mt. Dulangdulang (1996).
b. Lowland Evergreen Rainforest
The lowland evergreen rainforests with an elevation up to 1,300 meters above sea level (masl), is the most species-rich forest type and structurally the most complex. It dominates the landscape from the base of the mountain and is characterized by the abundance of dipterocarp species (e.g. bagtikan, white & red lauan and yakal). This forest type is found in patches and is estimated to be about 6,631 hectares.
According to the technical report of Nordic Agency for Development and Ecology (Integrating Conservation and Development in Protected Area Management, 1998) the lowland evergreen rainforest is the habitat of a number of globally- threatened animal and plant species. Out of the faunal species observed in this habitat type, forty- three (43) species of birds, eleven (11) species of mammals and one (1) species of butterfly are regarded as globally threatened or near threatened. The Lesser Eagle Owl Mimizuki gurneyi and Black headed Tailorbird Orthotomus nigriceps are some of these species found in this habitat type Mt. Kitanglad is a haven of the country’s national which are endemic to lowland evergreen bird Philippine Eagle (Pithecophaga jefferyi) rainforests of Mindanao. (photo: Haribon)
Originally three-layered, the vegetation is characterized by a more or less two- storey layer of forest trees composed of minor forest species and the absence of emergent. The loss of lowland forest was mainly due to the commercial logging which operated in the area until 1989, particularly in the southwestern side of the range. Large parts of the remnant forest are predominantly second growth and residuals but subjected to kaingin.
c. Lower Montane Forest
Lower montane forests (1,300-2,300 masl) cover an approximate area of 25,259 hectares and is characterized by a two-layered canopy. Trees in this habitat type are shorter in height than those found in lowland residual dipterocarp forest. Nomination of Mt. Kitanglad Range Natural Park for inclusion in the ASEAN Heritage Parks and Reserves 8
Plant families representing this forest type include Fagaceae, Lauraceae, Myrtaceae, Podocarpaceae and Clusiaceae. Lichens, epiphytic orchids and ferns as well as climbing Pandans Freycinetia spp. are common. This forest remains relatively intact, except for about 6,477 hectares, which were burned during the occurrence of El Niño phenomenon in 1983 and A road leading to the summit of Mt. Kitanglad, one of the is currently undergoing plant favorite trekking sites. succession.
This habitat type provides living area for a number of globally threatened animal and plant species. At least twenty-three (23) species of birds, twelve (12) species of mammals and three (3) species of butterfly are likewise observed in the area and also regarded as globally threatened. Nine (9) of these species are reported endemic to the lower montane forests in the island of Mindanao. Large mammals such as Philippine Warty Pig Sus philippinenses and Philippine Brown Deer Cervus mariannus that are found in this habitat heavily assist in maintaining the species diversity of the forest, but local populations of both are declining.
d. Upper Montane (Mossy) Forest
Upper montane forest ranges from 2,300 to 2,900 masl which extends up to Mt. Dulangdulang, the range’s highest peak. Trees in this habitat type are gnarled and have a stunted growth with a more or less uniform height of 10-12 meters (FSDI). Trunks and branches of these trees are festooned with thick mat of mosses, lichens (Usnea spp.) and epiphytic ferns. Oaks, Lithocarpus spp. and Syzigium spp. are particularly abundant. One of the trees covered with moss located atop Mt. Forest cover remains largely Dulangdulang. intact except for portions that (photo: G. Tapan) were burned during the 1982- 83 drought.
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Its present area is about 1,891 hectares. The peak of Mt. Kitanglad provides facilities for communication.
A large number of endemic and globally threatened species of wildlife have been documented from this habitat. To mention a few are eleven (11) species of birds, four (40 species of mammals and one (1) species of butterfly that are already regarded as globally threatened or near threatened.
Bonsai trees in the upper montane portions of Mt. II. Description of Physical details Dulangdulang
A. Geology
Mt. Kitanglad Range is a composite of Pliocene-Quaternary plateau basalt and pyroclastic deposits and represented by forphyritic andesite. The andesitic and pyroclastic peaks are Mt. Kitanglad, Mt. Kaatuan, Mt. Alanib, and Mt. Maagnaw.
The clusters of volcanic cones of Mt. Kitanglad and Mt. Piapayungan in North Cotabato are aligned in an eastnorth-eastwest direction. This could mean that the underlying sedimentary rocks are controlled by fissures that trend in the same direction (LREP, 1992).
The Range is chiefly underlain by intercalated agglomeratic breccine and pyroclastics and flow-banded andesitic composition. These are made up of angular and sub-rounded andesitic fragments set in a matrix of similar composition. Beneath this volcanic sequence is Miocene as a result of volcanic flows covering a wide area in the western part of Impasug-ong. This type of rock was ejected from Mt. Kitanglad (Mines & Soil Bureau, 1998).
Geologic structures include flow band features and a contemporary fault developed with the deposition of the material represented by the flow bands and layers exhibited by the andesitic lavas. Serial photographs show other structures or lineaments, which are probably faults or other structures. The trends of these lineaments appear to approximate the northwesterly trending Philippine Fault (Manzano, 1997).
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Mt. Kitanglad is exposed to various geologic hazards owing to its location, tectonic cut and array of volcanic features. It is excluded from the list of active volcanoes in the Philippines. However, PHIVOLCS cautioned that this is no guarantee that it will not erupt in the future. Its true state remains unknown and needs further study.
Mt. Kitanglad has likewise experienced shallow earthquakes with depths of less than 50 kilometers, at a local magnitude (m1) range of 4.0-6.0. The tremors have been due to the movements and interactions of elements configuring the Mindanao region. These elements include the Philippine Fault system, Mindanao Fault, Cotabato Trench and Philippine Trench (Manzano, 1997).
B. Hydrology
The Range is the headwater source of several major river systems draining North & Central Mindanao. Its creeks and rivers flow in a radial pattern and feed the Cagayan, Tagoloan and Pulangi Rivers. River valleys and gullies are narrow and precipitous.
Pulangi River Basin Pulangi River originates from the mountainous portion of the municipality of Impasug-ong particularly Calabugao Mountain Ranges. It flows in the southwesterly direction traversing Central Bukidnon and Cotabato province and empties into Illana Bay. It has a total area of 5,871 square kilometers with estimated annual run-off of about 16,399 mcm. Pulangi River (Photo: BENRO)
Several water tributaries that feed this river emanate from Mt. Kitanglad Range. These are the Timago, Tugasan, Maagnao, Alanib, Kulasihan, Sawaga and Manupali Rivers.
Cagayan River Basin
This basin covers approximately 1,471 square kilometers of mountainous terrain with only 8.6 square kilometers having an undulating terrain. This covers northwest Bukidnon extending to the western portion of the Province of Misamis Oriental. The Batang, Calawaig, Tagiti, Tumalaong and Bubunawan Rivers that originate from the northwestern slope of the Kitanglad Mountain are the principal tributaries of Cagayan River which Lalawan Falls (lalaw is a native term means flows generally in a northerly direction and sacred) is one of the spectacular waterfalls discharges into Macajalar Bay. It has an estimated inside Mt. Kitanglad. annual run-off of 3,654 mcm.
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Tagoloan River Basin
Tagoloan River Basin has a drainage area of 1,577 square kilometers covering the northwest portion of Bukidnon and a portion of Misamis Oriental. Culaman and Atugan rivers originate from Mt. Kitanglad traversing in a generally northwesterly direction and empties into Macajalar Bay. It has an annual run-off of 1,406 mcm.
C. Soils
The soil type of the foot slopes of the volcanic peaks is clayey and it is generally deep, with fragments of volcanic rocks rather common. However, soil layers are shallow in areas where erosion is massive. Soil in this physiographic unit is well drained and relatively acidic due to high acidic potential of parent materials. Higher rainfall and faster lateral movement of water in these areas also contribute to the acidity of the soil.
In higher elevations the soil has more organic matter due to low temperature. But the soil in general is phosphate deficient although some areas have high potassium content (Bureau of Soils, 1982).
D. Climate
The climate of Mt. Kitanglad falls under the Type III Climate of the modified Corona’s classification and is characterized as having a short dry season lasting only from one to three months with no pronounced maximum rain period. The area is virtually cloud-covered throughout the year. Temperature ranges from 22.70 C during January to 24.60 C in June. The Park receives the highest amount of rainfall in June; March is the driest month. Relative humidity varies from seventy one percent in May to eighty-six in September.
III. Description and list of flora and fauna
A. Flora
Previous floral inventories conducted at Mt. Kitanglad ranges (Pipoly, et.al, 1996; Palis, 1996) revealed that Mt. Kitanglad is one of the most important parks in the Philippines and considered a priority site for protection since it is the habitat of many endangered, endemic, rare and economically important floral species. At least 58 families and 185 species of trees and other woody vegetations were recorded in the park. Likewise, 345 fern species were also known to exist in the park wherein 69 (20%) are endemic to the locality.
Medinilla albiflora locally called, “Kapakapa” is one of the endemic plants in the park.
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Dr. Victor Amoroso et.al (1995-97) of the Central Mindanao University, Musuan, Bukidnon conducted floral inventory in two forest sites of Mt. Kitanglad ranges. Mts. Apulang (intact forest) and Kinasalapi (degraded forest). At least 50 species of trees, 121 species of shrubs and herbs, 196 species of ferns, 12 species of fern allies, 71 species of lichens and 110 species of bryophytes were recorded. Assessment of the status of flora revealed 1 endangered, 56 endemic, 121 rare and 78 economically important species. The species richness and density including endemicity are comparatively higher in intact forest than in degraded forest (ANNEX A).
Presumed to have gone extinct, Rafflesia schadenbergiana Gopp locally known as Rafflesia is the largest flower in the Philippines, having a diameter of seventy (70) centimeter and has emerged again after it was first discovered and collected during the Schadenberg-Koch expedition on Mt. Parag in Mindanao sometime in 1882. Rafflesia was once again rediscovered in the foot of Mt. Kitanglad after 125 years. The Rafflesia grows parasitically in a large host liana (Tetrastigma) in a forest margin. The rediscovery of this plant emphasizes the significance of this Mountain range as an important plant site. Having such high conservation value, R. schandenbergiana is a key plant species that could serve as emblem of plant conservation for Mt. Kitanglad and for the region being an important plant A Mt. Kitanglad personnel sits in front of the Rafflesia site where one of the rarest plants in schadenbergiana. the world occurs.
B. Fauna
Mt. Kitanglad harbors rich array of fauna among the protected areas in the Philippines, many of which are considered rare and endemic. At least 63 species of mammals are known to exist in the park of which 27 (43 percent) are endemic (ANNEX C). Amphibians and reptiles are equally diverse. Thirteen (57 percent) of the 25 species of reptiles and 12 (46 percent) of the 26 species of amphibians are endemic (ANNEX D). Birds show a remarkable diversity. There are 168 known species of birds, including 62 (37 percent) which are endemic.
Result of the survey conducted by Lawrence Heaney, et al. (1992-93) disclosed that they recorded at least 16 species out of the list of endemic birds in Mindanao which can be found in Mt. Kitanglad (ANNEX E). Butterflies also exhibit an exceptionally diverse composition. A total of 131 species and sub-species are recorded of which 114 (87 percent) are endemic. (NORDECO & DENR, 1998).
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Information revealed that residents of Intavas, La Fortuna, Impasugong, Bukidnon and Calanganan, San Vicente, Baungon, Bukidnon formerly collected not only butterflies but also species of beetles as an alternative source of income, selling their collections mostly to Japanese buyers. The practice, however, declined during the implementation of the Conservation of Priority Protected Areas Project- Integrated Protected Area System (CPPAP-IPAS), particularly Mt. Kitanglad Parent Philippine Eagle & eaglet (taken from the Range Natural Park. nesting site in Cinchona Reforestation Project) Photo credit: EGAgbayani
There are also signs that the diversity of Mt. Kitanglad’s birds and mammals had decreased. During the visit by the group of Dr. Lawrence Heaney, they reported that 20 species of birds documented in the 1960’s and 70’s were no longer sighted. They suspected that some of these species are still present but some may be locally extinct in the park. In 1996, NORDECO noted that 48 (28 New species of woodcock, Scolopax bukidnonensis or percent) of the bird species and 11 (17 Bukidnon Woodcock is sighted and heard in Mt. Kitangladby percent) of the mammal species known Harrap & Fisher in 1993.This remarkable new species is from the park have not been recorded named from a Visayan word “Bukidnon” means “of the mountain”. Bukidnon Woodcock means ‘woodcock of the within its boundaries. Both Heaney and mountain’. NORDECO attributed the loss and decline of these species to the destruction of their lowland forest habitat (ANNEX F).
Priority faunal species includes Phil. Eagle (Pithecophaga jefferyi ) and all indicator species under Biodiversity Monitoring System (BMS) (ANNEX E)
IV. Description of special cultural sites, customs or pre-historic remains of the sites
A. Cinchona Forest Reserve (CFR)
CFR was first established sometime in 1929 by the defunct Bureau of Forestry purposely objective to produce Cinchona bark or the so-called “bark wealth” producing anti-malaria drugs. On September 22, 1936, Commonwealth President Manuel L. Quezon issued Presidential Proclamation No. 83 declaring the 1,994 hectares as the Kaatoan Forest Reserve for experimental planting of quinine, forest protection and timber poaching. Nomination of Mt. Kitanglad Range Natural Park for inclusion in the ASEAN Heritage Parks and Reserves 14
It is the only cinchona plantation in the country. With the outbreak of World War II in 1941, the planting of Cinchona species was stopped. In 1943, the CFR including barangay Kaatoan were made as Japanese Garrisons and took possession of the area until 1945. During this year, a joint American and Filipino soldiers coming from Talakag engaged in Japanese soldiers in a fierce fight at Cinchona. Outnumbered and so with many casualties, the Japanese soldiers retreated and left the place. On the other One of the billboards installed in Cinchona Forest reserve hand, the Americans momentarily stayed at Cinchona but left in the same year.
Aside from cinchona, CFR is planted with fast growing tree species such as Falcata, Mahogany, Eucalyptus, Pine trees with a towering height having a diameter ranging from 120-200 centimeter.
On November 09, 2000, the Congress through the recommendation of the President passed the Republic Act 8978 also known as the Mt. Kitanglad Protected Area Act of 2000 which included the whole of CFR as part Camping site inside Cinchona Forest of the Mt. Kitanglad Range Natural Reserve Park.
B. Mt. Dulang-dulang
The Kitanglad Range is a very significant landmark in the cultural history of the indigenous peoples of Bukidnon. The mountain range tells us about their genealogy, socio-economic organization, political structure and datuship. Mt. Dulangdulang, the highest point within the Kitanglad range with an elevation of 2,938 meters above sea level is a sacred place where IPs conducted periodic rituals for thanksgiving of the spirits. According to the legend, Panoramic view as seen FROM Mt. Dulangdulang Nomination of Mt. Kitanglad Range Natural Park for inclusion in the ASEAN Heritage Parks and Reserves 15
the name Kitanglad has been used at a later time.
What people knew before was the so-called Lumuluyaw (now called Dulang-dulang), the highest peak in the majestic and mysterious mountain range.
The legend tells us of a great flood that submerged a big part of the earth to cleanse the earth of evildoers who neglected and transgressed the relationship of man, spirits and nature. A portion of Lumuluyaw, which was not covered by water, was only as big as a lemon grass (locally known as tanglad). As time went by, the second highest peak in the mountain range as well as the whole mountain range itself came to be called Kitanglad in order Plaza (ritual site) located in Mt. Dulangdulang) to immortalize the sacred origin of the indigenous peoples.
C. World War II plane crash sites
Mt. Kitanglad range witnessed the ferocious battle among the Americans, Filipinos and Japanese soldiers during the Second World War. Many fights had occurred in the site wherein three identified crash sites of planes in Mt. Kitanglad were recorded. These are specifically located in barangay Kalanganan, San Vicente, Baungon, Sitio Intavas, La
Fortuna, Impasugong and in Mt. Kitanglad Range Natural Park Lantapan, Bukidnon. Remnants of the plane crash are still present in the site.
D. Indigenous groups and cultural profile
Mt. Kitanglad is the homeland of the indigenous communities such as the Talaandig, Higaonon and Bukidnon tribes, which comprises 91% of the total population of the park. They thrive in the area since time immemorial and regarded the mountain range as the wellspring of their tradition. History, myth and tradition of the IPs revolved around the park in which their worldview A tribal leader of Mt. Kitanglad plays bamboo flute during the “Aldaw Ta Kitanglad” (Kitanglad Day) celebration, a yearly gathering to show respect and acknowledge the participation Nomination of Mt. Kitanglad Range Natural Park for inclusion of the indigenous communities surrounding the park in the in the ASEAN Heritage Parks and Reserves aspect of protection, conservation and development. 16
connects to the existence of the mysterious mountain range.
A unified claim for ancestral domain recognition has been forwarded to the Provincial Special Task Force on Ancestral Domain in 1994 and later to the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) yet to this date, no resolution has come out. The security of tenure of the IPs should be a paramount concern in implementing any development schemes in MKRNP in order to gain their support and active participation in resource management and protection.
Despite the influx of migrants and the impact of acculturation, buffer zone communities manifest strong cultural traits in their activities and outlook. Local leaders such as datus/baes (chieftain/chieftainness) or baylans (ritualists/healers) exercise customary laws in regulating agriculture, and hunting activities, and even the entry of tourists or visitors in the peaks. These are among the cultural practices recognized by the Protected Area Management Board (PAMB) and where selected datus are also represented. The IPs participation in the PAMB serves as the springboard to fully define their rights and responsibilities in the park.
However, local tribal leadership through the Council of Elders are emerging and exerting influence to the management of the PA beyond the terms of legal prescriptions. An anthropologist has conducted a study that illustrates the complementation of ancestral domain recognition and the protected area management. However, there is a need to clarify the management implications between legally instituted and traditionally bound structures.
Current livelihood practices among the indigenous peoples determine the sustainability of the biodiversity People entering sacred places (mountains) are required to conservation goals instituted in the park. participate in a “cleansing ritual” called “Panghawan”. The rite serves to cleanse or quarantine everyone in order However, these economic activities are not to bring his/her sins. They have to offer chicken; coins viewed as either beneficial or harmful to and the Baylan (ritualis/priest) call the guardian spirit of the fragile ecosystem of the protected man’s character to allow anyone to enter the forest. area. A zoning regulation is important approach to regulate people’s livelihoods.
Nomination of Mt. Kitanglad Range Natural Park for inclusion in the ASEAN Heritage Parks and Reserves 17
However, the time-immemorial existence of the IP generations has shown that these people have the ability to practice sustainable agriculture that are akin to their traditional knowledge and experiences. Considerations on the livelihood regimes allowed in MKRNP are weighed upon not only in terms of ecological and economic criteria but also in the sense of its cultural appropriateness. This gesture has given importance to the unique lifestyle of the IPs and how it complements with biodiversity conservation. In fact, the IPs could best undertake site rehabilitation and restoration of degraded habitats and in promoting natural regeneration of keystone species.
The strict protection zone also covers areas identified by IPs as lalaw or sacred areas. Each lalaw has a particular name depending on its purpose, to wit: tulungdanon or ritual area; pangapuga or altar; pangumpuay or place where the IPs give offerings to sprits who bring illnesses to humans; panlugbaka or wishing area; panungdana or worship area; and panalikuta or areas where hunting dogs area blessed.
The strict protection zone is the habitat of rare and endangered species. This includes Mt. Imbayao of Baungon; roost site in Pantaron, Sumilao; Mt. Nakulob of Impasug-ong; Mt. Apolang and Mt. Lunayon of Malaybalay which is a nesting site of the Philippine Eagle; Mts. Kaatuan, Kiabansag, Kinasalapi and Kisalsag of Lantapan; and Mts. Ginting- ginting and Pinaspasan of Talakag.
Mounts Apolang and Lunayon
The strict protection zone areas are set aside to facilitate scientific research, protection of endemic and threatened species within the zone, and ceremonial and religious activities of the IPs.
V. Review of the site potentials for educational, research and recreational uses
Being one of the few remaining rainforests in the Philippines, Mt. Kitanglad Range Natural Park is hosting one of the most important diverse species of rare, endemic and endangered species of wildlife such as the Philippine Eagle, which is now known as the country’s national bird, the newly found species to science Scolopax bukidnonensis, and extinct floral species of Rafflesia. The park’s immense richness of both flora and fauna suited the area for educational and research purposes aside from being blessed with areas that are potential for tourist attractions where recreational, ecotourism, conservation education or public enjoyment and awareness activities Nomination of Mt. Kitanglad Range Natural Park for inclusion in the ASEAN Heritage Parks and Reserves 18
can be undertaken (i.e. waterfalls, caves, hot spring, mountain peaks, existing camping areas and potential trekking sites) (See ANNEX G & H)
Nomination of Mt. Kitanglad Range Natural Park for inclusion in the ASEAN Heritage Parks and Reserves 19
Many natural endowments of MKRNP have remained unaltered by intensive human activities. The park is ideal for scientific and cultural studies that could contribute in developing appropriate approaches in harmonizing the interests of various stakeholders from the indigenous peoples to the interest groups at the national and international levels.
Foreign and local enthusiasts regularly visit Mt. Kitanglad. The visitors are limited to 15 persons per group/climb and allowed to stay in the park for two days and one night only as approved by the policy-making body called Protected Area Management Board.
VI. Details of human use levels in the site
Resource use practices profile
A. Agriculture and fishery
Farming is the main livelihood activity of the actual occupants. Root crops are the most widely grown crops with 23.6 percent of the occupants planting it. Corn (20.7 percent) ranks second, followed by coffee (16.3 percent), fruit trees (12.3 percent), spices (8 percent), sugarcane (6 percent) and abaca (4.1 percent). Less than one percent of the occupants grow rice, tobacco, and coconut (ANNEX I)
Slightly over 80 percent of the occupants raise livestock. Majority or 51.5 percent raise chickens, while 24.2 percent raise cattle. Only a few have pigs (7.8 percent), carabaos (7.5 percent), and horses (7.5 percent). An even Rainforestation or bringing back the forest to its fewer number of the occupants raise ducks original state by planting tree species native to a (1.3 percent) and goats (0.2 percent) (ANNEX particular forest is implemented in Mt. Kitanglad. J)
Nomination of Mt. Kitanglad Range Natural Park for inclusion in the ASEAN Heritage Parks and Reserves 20
It should be noted that 49.8 percent of the livestock are raised by occupants who have less than five animals each, and 22.4 percent of animals are raised by occupants who own six to ten animals each. Some occupants raise more than 35 heads of livestock, but their animals represent only 8.2 percent of all livestock in the area.
Only 39.2 percent of the occupants engage in fishing in nearby creeks or rivers. But the quantity of their catch is insignificant and contributes very little to their daily subsistence (ANNEX K)
B. Extraction of forest products
In addition to agriculture and fishery 28.6 percent of the occupants engage in other economic activities. They engage either in gathering of rattan poles, weaving rattan and bamboo strips into baskets, abaca production, processing raw timber and hunting.
C. Non-Timber Forest Products
There are at least fifteen (15) non- timber forest products being extracted by PA occupants. Eleven (11) of these products are intended for domestic Abaca based-value adding products engage by the women association of Mt. Kitanglad as consumption; nine (9) are edible fruits their additional livelihood. and two (2) are being used as medicines. Honeybee is for both household consumption and source of additional income.
The remaining four (4) products are rattan, guiyong (tiger grass), anonotong (giant tree ferns) and orchids. These are collected all year round except guiyong which PA occupants gather only from January to April.
D. Regulated and Indigenous way of hunting
PA occupants collect or hunt wild animals for both household consumption and source of additional income. These include birds (8), mammals (6), reptiles (2), fowl (1), and butterflies. They hunt these animals with the use of traps, dogs, slingshots, nets (in the case of butterflies), and homemade shotguns. Small birds are caught with pulot, a sticky substance from trees.
Deer, wild pigs, mice and civet cats are the most widely hunted mammals. At least fifty percent (50 percent) of wild pigs caught are sold in the town proper.
Among the birds, the most widely hunted are kusi, kulasisi (Loriculus philippensis), and brown doves. Kusi and kulasisi are sold in Cagayan de Oro City as pets. Brown doves are usually meant for food.
Near-threatened birds such as tungkago (Buceros hydrocorax) and tusing (Prioniturus discurus) are also hunted for food and are sold as pets.
Nomination of Mt. Kitanglad Range Natural Park for inclusion in the ASEAN Heritage Parks and Reserves 21
E. Timber
PA occupants utilize at least eight (8) species of trees for housing and fuel needs and also as source of additional income. These species are olayan (Lithocarpus ilanosii), lauan (Shorea contorta), tolay, sagasa (Palaquim merrilii), kulasi (Syzgium nitidum), boga, narig, and bagatamaing.
VII. Current Management Facilities and Staff
A. Institutional Coordination
The task of managing protected areas is enormous and multifaceted. It covers people’s welfare and various phases of community life involving no less than the overall protection, conservation and development of its natural environment including its flora and fauna.
The Park management adopts an institutional arrangement of coordination and linkaging with government and private agencies, academic institutions, research institutions and NGOs whose programs or charters are connected, related and/or would contribute to the achievement of the goals of PA.
Coordination with LGUs is of paramount importance. As the project operates at different levels of local governance, LGUs are considered partners of PASu in park protection and development. The management of PAs deals with the provincial, municipal or barangay problems in addition to the fact that each of them is represented in the PAMB. Open communication alone through constant dialogue between LGUs or other institutions and PASu as facilitated by effective coordination has established immediate rapport among cooperating institutions. As the PA project is not always in a position to assume every projected cost, the LGUs are be tapped to contribute to the activities of PAs directly or indirectly.
B. Management Structure The Mt.Kitanglad Range Natural Park is under the control and administration of the DENR through the Protected Area Management Board (PAMB).
Figure 3.
Management DENR SECRETARY Structure in
MKRNP. USEC for Policy & Technical Services
RED PAWB Director PAMB
ARED for OPERATION
PENRO
P A S u
Nomination of Mt. Kitanglad Range Natural Park for inclusionLEGEND : AUTHORITY COORDINATION in the ASEAN Heritage Parks and Reserves 22
1. The Protected Area Management Board (PAMB)
The PAMB serve as the site-policy making body of the protected area (PA). The board, by majority vote, decides on budgetary allocations, proposals for funding, resource protection and general administration of the PA in accordance with the plans and successor plans. The PAMB shall monitor and evaluate the performance of protected area personnel, NGOs and communities in providing for biodiversity conservation Members of the Protected Area Management Board regularly meet to discuss matters related to park’s and socio-economic development. development and policymaking.
The DENR, through the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer (PENRO), shall exercise authority to oversee the PAMB to ensure that it is acting within the scope of its powers and function.
2. The Protected Area Superintendent (PASu)
There shall be a protected area superintendent to be appointed by the DENR, serving as the Chief Executive Officer of the protected area, who is directly responsible to the PAMB and the PENRO. Sixteen (16) personnel who perform the day-to-day management and administration of the protected area support the PASu. The MKRNP Protected Area Office (PAO) is created for the purpose and equipped with the following personnel as follows:
3. The Core Staff