MALAPATAN, Sarangani Province – The rich biodiversity of Mt. Tudok in Barangay Sapu Masla is set to receive greater protection following the local government’s move to support its declaration as a Local Conservation Area. This decision emerged during a recent committee hearing of the Sangguniang Bayan (SB) of Malapatan, where the results of a Rapid Biodiversity Assessment were presented.
Held on February 26, 2025, the hearing was spearheaded by the Committee on Natural Resources, Environmental Program, and Energy. The session aimed to assess the ecological significance of Mt. Tudok and the necessity of conducting a biodiversity assessment to back its formal designation as a conservation area.
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (DENR-CENRO) Glan presented the findings of the Rapid Biodiversity Assessment conducted in May 2024. The study highlighted Mt. Tudok’s ecological wealth, showcasing its role as a habitat for a diverse range of flora and fauna. These findings underscored the urgent need to implement conservation measures to protect the area’s environmental resources.
The SB acknowledged the significance of the biodiversity assessment and expressed its support for the proposal to declare Mt. Tudok a Local Conservation Area. By integrating the study’s findings into the formal declaration process, the municipality reinforced its commitment to environmental preservation and sustainable development.
This initiative aligns with Malapatan’s broader environmental agenda, as well as national conservation efforts. The LGU, in collaboration with DENR and other stakeholders, is now set to take the next steps toward formalizing Mt. Tudok’s designation, ensuring that conservation strategies are effectively implemented.
Key stakeholders present during the event included CENR Officer Joy C. Ologuin, PENRO Sarangani’s SVEMS For. Ma. Karen S. Cariga, SREMS For. Jessica C. Guilao, CDS Chief For. Mirasol Z. Gler, and EMS I Marivic G. Quisto. Their presence signified strong institutional support for the conservation initiative.
With the wheels in motion for its official declaration, Mt. Tudok stands as a testament to Malapatan’s growing dedication to protecting its natural treasures for future generations.