Pasonanca Park designated ASEAN Heritage place

Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo Loyzaga on Monday led the historic designation of Pasonanca Natural Park as the 52nd ASEAN Heritage Park, the 10th in the Philippines, and the first in the Zamboanga Peninsula.

“This milestone represents a significant step forward in the nation’s conservation efforts and underscores our commitment to preserving our natural heritage for generations to come,” Loyzaga remarked at the unveiling of the ASEAN Heritage Park marker.

Pasonanca Natural Park, with a sprawling area of 17,414 hectares, is a sanctuary of biodiversity in the Zamboanga Peninsula. Its dense dipterocarp forests house a diverse range of flora and fauna, including rare species like the Mindanao Bleeding-Heart and the critically endangered Philippine Eagle.

Loyzaga said the park’s ecological completeness and conservation significance serve as a beacon of hope for biodiversity conservation efforts in the region.

“The journey of Pasonanca Natural Park to this prestigious status is rooted in history and legislation, with the area being protected under various laws and proclamations over the years,” Loyzaga said.

“Its designation as an ASEAN Heritage Park is a testament to the park’s importance on a national and regional scale, highlighting the collective commitment to preserving our natural treasures,” she added.