The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) 10 (Northern Mindanao) on Thursday reported that the Mount Balatukan Range Natural Park in the eastern part of Misamis Oriental is being considered for inclusion in the ASEAN Heritage Park list.

In an interview, DENR-10 Protected Area Management Superintendent Ivy V. Saclote said this was disclosed during a courtesy visit to Misamis Oriental Governor Juliette Uy.

“If we pursue this and pass the validation, this will be the first ASEAN Heritage Park in Misamis Oriental,” she said.

Representatives of the ASEAN Center for Biodiversity, including international validators from Bangkok, Thailand, joined the visit in early February to conduct an on-site validation of the protected area as part of the nomination process.

Saclote thanked the provincial government for its support, especially in strengthening forest conservation efforts.

She said Mount Balatukan is among the province’s largest remaining forest areas and serves as a natural buffer against disasters for the municipalities of Balingasag, Lagonglong, Medina, and Claveria, as well as Gingoog City.

The park also protects adjacent buffer zones, particularly in Lagonglong and other parts of Misamis Oriental, and functions as a key watershed area.

Meanwhile, the Balatukan River, which originates from the park, is a major water source for communities in the province.

Saclote added that securing ASEAN Heritage Park status would elevate the park’s recognition internationally and highlight its rich biodiversity, including endemic flora and fauna found only on the mountain.

Northern Mindanao has four ASEAN Heritage Parks – the Mount Kitanglad Range Natural Park in Bukidnon; Mount Inayawan Range Natural Park in Lanao del Norte; Mount Hibok-Hibok Natural Monument in Camiguin; and Mount Malindang Range Natural Park in Misamis Occidental. These form part of the country’s 14 designated ASEAN Heritage Parks. (PNA)