PHILIPPINES — The Philippines hosted the inaugural ASEAN Heritage Parks Forum on September 8, 2026, gathering over 400 delegates from across Southeast Asia. The event highlighted the region's commitment to biodiversity conservation and sustainable tourism development.
A Regional Milestone for Conservation
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources led the three-day forum in partnership with the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity. Tourism Secretary Dita Angara-Mathay represented President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., reaffirming the DOT's commitment to sustainable tourism that drives regional development and strengthens ecological conservation.
The forum adopted the theme "Navigating a Sustainable Future for ASEAN Heritage Parks." It provided a platform for learning, collaboration, and innovation among park managers, community leaders, policymakers, and development partners. The event supports the integration of the AHP Program into the broader goals of the Philippine ASEAN Chairship.
Five Major Conservation Initiatives Launched
The Philippines launched five regional conservation initiatives during the forum. The AHP Regional Action Plan 2026-2035 sets a 10-year roadmap to strengthen ecosystem representation and management across the AHP network. It focuses on ensuring every park is effectively managed, protected, and conserved.
The Philippine ASEAN Heritage Parks Network was established to strengthen peer learning and science-based monitoring among Philippine AHPs. The Biodiversity Financing Program, implemented with UNDP under the Global Biodiversity Framework Fund, runs from July 2026 to July 2032 to scale up public and private investment in biodiversity.
The Small Grants Programme III provides direct micro-grants for community-led conservation projects in protected area buffer zones. The AHP Programme Operations Manual will be finalized through a capacity-building workshop. These initiatives reflect a comprehensive approach to regional conservation.
Philippines Nears ASEAN Record
The Philippines currently has 14 ASEAN Heritage Parks, with Mount Balatukan Range Natural Park in Misamis Oriental endorsed as the country's 15th site. Once approved, the country will tie Vietnam for the most AHPs in the region.
Mount Balatukan is recognized as a key biodiversity area and an important bird area. It is known for its geological importance, rare biodiversity, and deep cultural connections. The site is currently up for ad referendum approval by the ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on the Environment.
The country's existing AHPs include Mt. Apo Natural Park, Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, and Mt. Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary. These protected areas serve as critical habitats for countless species and contribute to the region's ecological stability.
Recognizing Grassroots Conservation Efforts
The Second ASEAN Green Initiative Recognition Ceremony honored grassroots tree-planting and ecological restoration projects. Four Philippine projects received recognition, including ALIMA Eco, Agri, and Heritage Park Development and the Mongkayo Pag-asa Carbon Forest.
DENR Undersecretary Ernesto Adobo Jr. emphasized that these parks are not just national treasures but ASEAN-rich heritage that all citizens should value. He noted that AHP managers are brought together regularly for learning exchanges and sharing of best practices.
Dr. Jerome Montemayor, Executive Director of the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity, called on participants to amplify the message that investing in nature is an investment in collective future. He stressed that safeguarding these parks secures water systems, natural barriers against typhoons, and ecosystems that drive economic growth.
