LUNA, Apayao – Apayao’s place among the world’s biosphere reserves is now official with the confirmation by the UNESCO National Commission of the Philippines (UNACOM) of the certificate of designation for the Biosphere Reserve of the yApayaos (BRyA) on March 6, 2025, at the Aliwa Gymnasium in this town.
The recognition took place during the joint meeting of the Provincial Development Council, Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, BRyA Council, and Kapehan sa Kapitolyo 2025. UNESCO-Philippines Secretary-General Dr. Ivan Anthony Henares, Apayao Lone District Representative Eleanor C. Bulut-Begtang, and Governor Elias C. Bulut, Jr. led the said event.
Covering a massive stretch of pristine forests, critical watersheds, and indigenous ancestral domains, the BRyA is home to endemic and threatened species found nowhere else. But outside its forests and rivers, it represents a connection between nature and indigenous culture, with the people actively shaping conservation efforts.
Dr. Henares in his message, stressed that preserving a biosphere reserve requires active community involvement, strong policies, and shared responsibility. “The success of these initiatives demonstrates the power of partnership and the unwavering dedication of individuals and organizations in safeguarding our planet’s precious resources,” he said. He also pointed out that while the BRyA designation brings international recognition, it also comes with the challenge of long-term environmental stewardship.
The designation is expected to open new avenues for research, conservation funding, and technical collaboration with other biosphere reserves worldwide. Apayao now joins Palawan, Albay, and Puerto Galera as part of the country’s growing network of UNESCO Biosphere Reserves, attesting that local conservation models can drive national and even global change.
Government agencies and conservation partners were also acknowledged for their role in shaping Apayao’s environmental policies. Among those recognized were representatives from the Palawan, Albay, and Puerto Galera Biosphere Reserves, the Philippine Eagle Foundation, the Cordillera office of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, the Department of the Interior and Local Government, the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples, the Department of Public Works and Highways-Apayao 1st and 2nd District Engineering offices, the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office, Apayao State College, and the Department of Education – Apayao.
With the designation now in place, Apayao faces the real task ahead making sure that its forests remain standing, its rivers stay clean and its people continue to lead the charge in conservation. Governor Bulut stated that the province’s biggest legacy is not the title, but what it does with it. “We will leave this to the next generation for them to see the forests we have protected, and for them to continue what we have started,” he said.
“This designation proves that when people work together for a cause, real change happens. Our efforts should inspire other provinces to protect what they have before it is too late,” he added. By Michelle Acantilado
