FLORA, Apayao – Provincial leaders and environmental experts gathered at the ECBJr. Evacuation Center and Multi-Purpose Gymnasium (Aliwa Gym) on March 5, to finalize the Biosphere Reserve of the yApayaos (BRyA) Management Plan, the framework to guide the conservation and sustainable management of the BRyA.
Leading the discussions were Governor Elias C. Bulut Jr., Congresswoman Eleanor C. Bulut-Begtang, UNESCO National Commission of the Philippines (UNACOM) Deputy Secretary General Lindsay A. Barrientos, and Philippine Eagle Foundation (PEF) Director for Operations Dr. Jayson C. Ibañez.
The focus was on balancing biodiversity protection with the needs of the yApayaos in order to make sure that conservation efforts do not come at the expense of progress.
Bulut-Begtang, in her message, stressed the need for unity and strong political will in sustaining the province’s Biosphere Reserve status.
“We take pride in this achievement, but how do we sustain it? Magtulungan po tayo, hindi dapat nagbabangayan. The key is political will. Hindi porke hindi kayo politiko ay hindi kayo pwedeng magkaroon ng will to protect the BRyA. This is a shared responsibility, not just for politicians but for everyone. If we work as one, BRyA will stand as a symbol of our unity,” she said.
Meanwhile, Dr. Ibañez highlighted the reserve’s potential to be a model of coexistence between indigenous communities and biodiversity, and stated that the management plan will be a huge factor in guiding Apayao toward its long-term conservation goals.
“The Biosphere Reserve of the yApayaos (BRyA) has immense potential to showcase how indigenous communities and biodiversity can thrive together. This management plan is crucial in guiding us toward our shared vision. We are grateful to the provincial government, municipal LGUs, the DENR, and stakeholders for involving the Philippine Eagle Foundation in this historic endeavor. Rest assured, PEF remains committed to supporting both present and future initiatives,” Ibanez stressed.
For his part, Governor Bulut, Jr. thanked the stakeholders and emphasized the importance of collaboration.
“Your presence today is invaluable. Together, we are crafting a clear path for Apayao’s biosphere reserve. I extend my gratitude to DENR, and our local government units for their support and collaboration,” the Governor stated.
With the said management plan now in place, the province has now a clear framework for managing its biosphere reserve. This plan will now set the direction for conservation efforts, responsible land use, and sustainable development, and at the same time, making sure that the voices of the communities and the indigenous peoples are heard in shaping policies that affect them. By Diocen Tolentino
