“In the embrace of the forest, we find the roots of our past and the seeds of our future.”
Happy National Forest Day! In this special article, we will talk about the forests of the islands of Visayas and the mountains of Mindanao; from the Pine forest to the Protected Landscapes, from Natural Park to the largest rainforest.
A forest is nature’s symphony, where every tree stands as a silent melody and every rustling leaf whispers harmony. So, let’s check out the largest forests of VisMin:
Bucari Pine Forest, Leon, Iloilo
Bucari Pine Forest is the heart of the Agri-Eco Tourism of the Municipality of Leon, Iloilo. The Bucari Pine Forest was also given the nickname as the “Little Baguio of Iloilo,” the main camping site in Bucari is the Tabionan Reforestation Area where 30- to 50-year-old pine trees grow across 5,000 hectares of government-protected land.
Central Cebu Protected Landscapes (CCPL), Cebu
The Central Cebu Protected Landscapes or the CCPL, covers 29,062 hectares of forestlands and watersheds of Cebu, the CCPL was established and was given an act, The Republic Act 9486 or the “Central Cebu Protected Landscape (CCPL) Act of 2007” which focuses on protecting, conserving, and maintaining the natural landscape of Cebu.
Mount Kitanglad Range Natural Park, Bukidnon, Mindanao
Home of the “Last Rainforests of Mindanao,” the Kitanglad Range covers 42,270 hectares, it is also a protected area, it is also the fourth highest mountain in the Philippines and it is considered one of the few remaining rainforests in the Philippines.
Mount Malindang Range Natural Park, Misamis Occidental
The Pride of the People of Misamis Occidental, Mount Malindang Range Natural Park, the range covers 53,262 hectares and the area. Mount Malindang is a complex volcano in Misamis Occidental, now you know.
Mount Apo Natural Park, Digos City, Davao del Sur
Mount Apo or also known as the ASEAN Heritage Park, covers 54,974 hectares. The area is home of the critically endangered bird, the Philippine Eagle. Declared a Natural Park in 2003 by Congress through RA 9237.
Northern Negros Natural Park, Silay City, Negros Occidental
It is known as one of the intact forests on the island. The North Negros Natural Park or also known as NNNP has a total area of 80,454 hectares. Seventy-five percent is primary old-growth and twenty-five percent is secondary.
Lake Lanao Watershed, Lanao del Sur
The Lake Lanao Watershed, about 78,826 hectares covered by forest. This forested area plays a crucial role in maintaining biodiversity, supporting hydropower, and providing water for irrigation and domestic use.
Samar Island Natural Park
The Samar Island Natural Park, in Samar, is the largest contiguous tract of old-growth forest in the Philippines. It is the country’s largest terrestrial protected area, with an area of 333,300 hectares
Bukidnon Forests, Bukidnon
Bukidnon province in the Philippines has a significant amount of forest land, with approximately 650,912 hectares classified as forest land, representing 62% of its total land area.
Mindanao – Eastern Visayas Rainforest
The Mindanao-Eastern Visayas rain forests are lush tropical forests, home to towering dipterocarps, mangroves, and unique wildlife. The Mindanao-Eastern Visayas rain forest ecoregion spans 10,515,351 hectares, can you imagine that.
This International Day of Forests, let’s honor and protect the forests that sustain life. Together, we can ensure a greener, healthier future.
