LUNA, Apayao – Governor Elias C. Bulut, Jr. underscored the important role of government officials and communities in safeguarding the environment in his address during the Biosphere Reserve of the yApayaos (BRyA) Management and Development Planning Workshop held on September 18 at the LMP Building, Apayao Eco Tourism and Sports Complex (AETSC).
The governor emphasized that the province’s recent inclusion in United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization’s (UNESCO) global network of Biosphere Reserves is both a triumph and a responsibility that Apayao must carry forward.
“I am happy that everyone is here in this very important and critical undertaking for our environment. Government officials like us should do something for the maintenance and protection of our beautiful environment here in our beloved province,” said Gov. Bulut, addressing stakeholders gathered for the workshop aimed at shaping the management strategies for BRyA.
Apayao’s designation as the fourth biosphere reserve in the country is a culmination of years of collective efforts, according to the governor.
“We are glad that after about six or seven years, our province has finally been inscribed as one of the UNESCO Biosphere Reserves in the world,” he noted, adding that Apayao’s landlocked geography sets it apart from the country’s other reserves, which are situated along coastal areas.
The governor also paid tribute to the late Elias K. Bulut, Sr. (EKB) whose vision for environmental protection and conservation was instrumental in pursuing this recognition.
“This is the culmination of the dream of EKB and all other leaders na nauna sa atin. Alam naman natin na si EKB ay very passionate when it comes to environment,” stated the governor.
While acknowledging the province’s unique cultural ties to environmental stewardship, he noted that current laws sometimes conflict with traditional practices like the Lapat System, a way of life among the Isnags. He stressed the importance of maintaining Apayao’s cultural heritage in order to sustain natural resources. “Gusto ko kasi talaga na the people of Apayao will protect the environment and at the same time, mapanatili natin ang kultura.”
The existence of critically endangered Philippine Eagle in the province was highlighted as one of the key motivators for Apayao’s environmental efforts. Gov. Bulut hopes that the province could become a hub for scientific research that could attract experts from local and international institutions.
He likewise reflected on his tenure in Congress where he chaired the special committee on reforestation. “I wanted to explore legislation that could support environmental preservation efforts in Apayao,” he said, adding that he invited various resource speakers to gain insights on how to best protect the province’s remaining forests and involve the communities in the process.
Looking to the future, the governor emphasized the importance of creating a unique management plan tailored to BRyA’s specific needs. “The most critical part now is how to sustain it at kung papaano natin ipasa ito sa next generation,” he said.
Gov. Bulut then called on the participants to contribute actively to shaping the final output. “This is not for us, we are doing this for the people of Apayao,” he concluded.
This workshop is seen as an important step towards making sure that the province’s environmental achievements are preserved and strengthened for future generations.
Apayao now faces the challenge of balancing environmental protection with cultural preservation – a task that Gov. Bulut and the entire Apayao leadership are committed to tackling head-on. By Jess Christley Marquez
