MANILA, Philippines — A 178-hectare area in Isabela has been reserved as sanctuary for the endemic Philippine duck.

Environment Secretary Ramon J. P. Paje signed recently Administrative Order No. 2012-01 declaring the Malasi Tree Park and Wildlife Sanctuary in Barangay San Antonio in Cabagan, Isabela as a critical habitat for the Philippine duck (Anas luzonica) and other water bird species.

The designation of the critical habitat is in accordance with Republic Act (RA) No. 9147, also known as the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act.

“This is a major step to conserve and protect the Philippine duck as the area becomes now a protected area, which means that the communities around it should make an effort to minimize human activities that will have adverse impact to the animal,” he said.

Critical habitats are areas that are preserved to support the perpetual existence of a certain plant or animal species, whether they are migratory or naturally occurring in an area.

Under the Administrative Order, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in Region 2 is tasked to manage the Malasi Sanctuary in partnership with the Cabagan local government unit (LGU) and other concerned organizations, and in accordance with a Critical Habitat Management Plan specifically prepared for the area.

They are to ensure that any developmental activities within or in the periphery of the declared critical habitat would undergo the necessary assessment process to safeguard the area’s ecological integrity.