BUTUAN CITY – The estimated 30,642-hectare Mount Kitanglad in Bukidnon Province was declared as an Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) Heritage Park.

The declaration of the Mount Kitanglad Range Protected Area was made during the recent 11th annual meeting of ASEAN Ministers of Environment in Singapore, it was learned.

Mount Kitanglad range has a wide range of biodiversity and is one of the priority protected areas in the Philippines that was established by law.

Mount Kitanglad is the third highest peak in the Philippines after Mount Apo in Davao Region and Mount Iglit-Baco in Oriental Mindoro.

After the declaration, Mount Kitanglad now joins 27 other ASEAN Heritage Parks.

The range covers seven municipalities and a city in Bukidnon, namely: Talakag consisting of 4,945 hectares (has.); Baungon – 3,157 has.; Libona – 6,196 has.; Manolo Fortich – 595 has.; Sumilao – 3,532 has.; Lantapan – 7,912 has.; Impasug-ong - 1,985 has.; and Malaybalay City – 2,317 has.

In year 2000, Mount Kitanglad was declared a protected area by virtue of Republic Act (RA) 8978.

It is the habitat of the Philippine Eagle, which is considered one of the largest eagles in the world and the most endangered.

It is also where rafflesia, the biggest flower in the world, can be found.

Records from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) showed that about 80 percent of the residents in the area are indigenous people, such as Manobos, Talaandig, Higaonon, Matigsalug, and Umayamnon.

It was gathered from the DENR that President Arroyo was very “optimistic” that the declaration will further enhance the government’s efforts in not only conserving the country’s biodiversity but also in preserving the culture and tradition of the region.

According to the DENR, scientists have discovered a source of anti-malaria drug from the bark of the “Cinchona tree” which can be found in the area.

It was further gathered that Mount Dulang-dulang, the highest point in the Mount Kitanglad range at 2,938 meters above sea level, is a sacred place where indigenous people hold rituals of thanksgiving to the spirits.

Meanwhile, under the ASEAN Heritage Parks program, protected areas with unique, diverse, and outstanding value are given the highest recognition as an ASEAN Heritage Park.