Matalam, Cotabato – Five species of rare pitcher plants have been documented by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources Region 12 (DENR-12) Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) during a recent LAWIN foot patrol in Barangay San Miguel, Arakan, Cotabato.
The patrol, conducted from February 18-21, 2025, covered a 135-hectare tropical forest, revealing the presence of five Nepenthes species: Nepenthes truncata Macfarl, Nepenthes surigaoensis Elmer, Nepenthes alata Blanco, Nepenthes mindanaoensis Sh. Kurata, and Nepenthes talaandig Gronem et al.
These species are classified as Endangered (EN) and Vulnerable (VU) under DENR Administrative Order No. 2017-11, which lists threatened Philippine plants and their conservation status. The discovery highlights the ecological significance of the area and the need for intensified conservation measures.
DENR-12 is pushing for the designation of Mt. Sinaka, which includes Barangay San Miguel, as a Critical Habitat site. This initiative seeks to protect the diverse ecosystems and rich biodiversity of the region. Mindanao is recognized as the pitcher plant capital of the Philippines, home to 60 documented species, several of which are critically endangered.
The LAWIN foot patrol was led by CENRO Forester Abdulnagib T. Ringia and included the Wildlife Resources and Conservation Unit (WRCU), the Arakan LAWIN team, and Bantay Kalikasan patrollers. Their efforts contribute to ongoing initiatives to safeguard Mindanao’s unique flora and fauna.
