SAN FERNANDO, PAMPANGA - The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has inaugurated a new Protected Area Information Center (PAIC) at Biak-na-Bato National Park in San Miguel, Bulacan, donated by Eagle Cement Corporation (ECC) under its corporate social responsibility program . The facility will serve as a hub for environmental education, visitor information, and park management activities, designed to strengthen the management and protection of the 2,117-hectare park while boosting its potential as a premier ecotourism destination . This milestone represents a shared vision of stewardship, sustainability, and responsibility, with the private sector proving to be a true ally in conservation.
A Hub for Environmental Education and Visitor Information
The newly constructed PAIC will help broaden the knowledge of tourists visiting the park while serving as a central repository for information on the park's ecological and historical significance . Declared a national park in 1937 via Proclamation No. 223 by President Manuel Quezon, and currently covered by Proclamation No. 401, the park is both a historic landmark and a biodiversity haven . It is home to diverse animal species, including the endemic Biak-na-Bato limestone frog, Luzon hornbill, and Philippine warty pig . With the PAIC now operational, it is expected to enhance ecotourism, foster community participation, and help preserve the park's ecological and cultural treasures for future generations . Eagle Cement has also indicated it is in talks with DENR for the construction of additional facilities in the protected area, reaffirming its long-term commitment to environmental protection and sustainable development.
Strengthening Park Management Through Public-Private Partnership
The donation of the PAIC by Eagle Cement Corporation demonstrates how the private sector can play a meaningful role in environmental conservation. DENR Central Luzon Regional Executive Director Ralph Pablo expressed gratitude for the partnership, noting that such collaborations are essential for the effective management and protection of the country's protected areas . This initiative aligns with DENR's broader mission of conserving, managing, and developing the Philippines' environment and natural resources for the welfare of present and future generations of Filipinos . The Biak-na-Bato National Park, famous for its historical significance as a mountain refuge for Filipino rebels fighting the Spanish army and where General Emilio Aguinaldo established the Republic of Biak-na-Bato, continues to be a haven for individuals who wish to reconnect with nature . The park features a variety of natural attractions, including rock formations, caverns, and rivers that are accessible through hiking trails, with Mt. Gola and Mt. Manalmon being popular destinations for visitors seeking outdoor adventure.
