Coffee Table Book

Protected Areas in Eastern Visayas:
Biodiversity at its Best

Department of Environment
and Natural Resources
Regional Office No. VIII







FROM THE

Regional Executive Director

Ikaw, Ako, Tayo ang Kalikasan is DENR’s advocacy to instill to
everyone that the duty to protect and nurture the environment is
a collaborative effort between the government and its citizens.
That is why, one needs to have the right information, right reason, and
the motivation to care for the environment with the same passion that we
exert to care for ourselves and our loved ones. When we realize that our
own existence has a symbiotic relationship with our environment, then we
are able to consciously change our mindset and actions in such a way that
these are in sync towards a healthy environment.

This coffee table book is an attempt to showcase the beauty of our
natural environment and the benefit that we derive from it. With seven (7)
protected areas (classified under Republic Act No. 7586 or the National
Integrated Protected Areas System Act) that includes thickly forested
areas, mangrove forests, rivers and seas teeming with rich and diverse
flora and fauna, one would simply surmise of their importance. Equipped
with the right information, the public is expected to develop a sense of
shared responsibility towards our environment and act accordingly.

Moreso, browsing through the pages of this coffee table book will
be a journey in itself to the beautiful natural sceneries that our region has.
It is intended to entice readers to actually visit them and enjoy communion
with nature. A true appreciation of nature’s beauty and its importance to
our healthy existence may lead people to contribute towards a responsible
lifestyle that complements and not endangers the environment.

The challenges to have a paradigm shift in our mode of living that is
consonant with care and protection of the environment has never been as
urgent in the present time. This is especially so because of climate change
and the detrimental effect it has already shown to both lives and property.
When we take care of our environment, the same is being positively
reciprocated to our benefit. However, when abused, nature has also a way
of reminding us of its dire consequences.

May this coffee table book be a humble contribution in our earnest
effort to educate the public and for them to be appreciative of the beauty
and benefit of a healthy environment.

Tirso P. Parian, Jr., CESO IV
Regional Executive Director
December 2019 - Present

Message

Our protected areas continue to exist on a delicate balance
because of multisectoral issues and concerns that are at
times in conflict with each other. The basic contradiction is
between the need to preserve and sustain it on one equation and the equal
need to utilize it to cater to the needs of the community dependent on it.

Finding the balance requires raising public awareness on the
paramount importance of the biodiversity found in our protected areas,
to the whole ecological balance. That any consumption of our natural
resources must always be based on responsible and sustained utilization
– a judicious management and conservation of our resources. Anything
beyond that will be disastrous in the long run for today and the generations
yet unborn. That is why, during my stint as Regional Executive Director in
Region 8 and as chairperson of the Protected Area Management Board, I
made sure that I personally facilitate the meetings to be appraised of the
situation and to ensure that programs and policies are in place and that
all the rights and duties of stakeholders are considered. Included therein
is the implementation of programs that provide employment to the people
dwelling in and around protected areas while maintaining the integrity of
the resources in the area.

This coffee table book therefore, is an invitation for all to appreciate
the work that is being done in the protected areas of the region. It is a
dynamic process. And while our management plan changes, it is always
grounded on the objective of ensuring the full enjoyment of a balanced and
healthful ecology.

We count on your continued support.

Atty. Crizaldy M. Barcelo, CESO III
Regional Executive Director

November 2017 - December 2019

Message

My stint as head of DENR-RO8 may have been brief but it
was long enough to have aroused my interest to appreciate
the bountiful and fascinating sceneries that the islands of
Eastern Visayas – Leyte, Samar and Biliran has to offer.

In particular, the seven (7) diverse and distributed protected areas
of the region is a testament to how beautiful our natural resources are and
what these can offer. It varies from the rich aquatic resources of Guiuan
Marine Reserve and Biri Larosa protected landscape and seascape of
Eastern and Northern Samar and of the alluring coastlines of Cuatro Islas
in Leyte. Then there is the rich biodiversity of the Samar Island Natural
Park encompassing portions of the three provinces of the island of Samar,
incidentally, where the critically endangered Philippine Eagle has its
natural habitat. Equally bountiful of diverse flora and fauna species are the
Calbayog-Pan-as Hayiban Protected Landscape also in Samar, the Lake
Danao Natural Park and Mahagnao Volcano Natural Park, both in Leyte.

These and many other areas, sums up the richness, not only of its
culture but of biodiversity as well that Region 8 is known for and should
further be promoted. Convinced that it is worth sharing, I pushed for the
production of a coffee table book that will showcase the protected areas
of Eastern Visayas in all its grandeur. Through the lens of a camera that
captures an accurate description of its pristine beauty then printed for
viewer’s eye to feast, we hope that it will forever be engraved in the hearts
and minds of those who will come across this book.

Now a reality, enjoy sifting through the pages of this coffee table
book. May it conquer your fascination as it did mine.

Arleigh J. Adorable, CESO III
Regional Executive Director

October 2017 - November 2017

Copyright © 2017

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means,
including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the owner. For
permission requests, write to the DENR at the address below.

Department of Environment and Natural Resources
Regional Office No. VIII
Sto. Niño Ext., Tacloban City
PHILIPPINES

www.r8.denr.gov.ph

Protected Areas in Eastern Visayas:
Biodiversity at its Best

Department of Environment
and Natural Resources

Regional Office No. VIII



Protected Areas in Eastern Visayas | 1

2 | Protected Areas in Eastern Visayas

The Lake Danao Natural
Park (LDNP) situated
in the mountain ranges
of Ormoc City exhibits
unique natural features
guaranteed to captivate the
hearts of local and foreign
tourists. It showcases a
148-hectare exceptionally
beautiful guitar-shaped
inland lake with crystal
clear waters surrounded
with verdant forests,
diverse flora and fauna,
a cool and invigorating
climate, and a serene and
pristine environment. After
years of interventions for
conservation, protection,
and management, LDNP
was proclaimed as a
protected area under the
NIPAS Law (R.A. 7586)
by virtue of Proclamation
No. 1155 dated February 3,
1998.

Protected Areas in Eastern Visayas | 3

Floral Diversity - Primary and Secondary Forests
In the primary forest, a total of 14 timber species belonging to 10 families were recorded in 2 quadrants. Dipterocarpaceae is the most represented family with 4

species followed by Sapotaceae with two (2). All the rest are represented by 1 species each.
The stand is dominated Tangile (Shorea polysperma), Red Lauan (Shorea negronensis) and Bagtikan (Parashorea malaanonan), all from the Dipterocarpaceae

family. Other species with degree of dominance are Nato and Tamayuan.
On the other hand, a total of 18 species belonging to 15 species were recorded. The most represented families are Burseraceae, Lauraceae and Sapotaceae with 2

species each. The rest had only one (1) species each including Diptercarpaceae which represented only by Bagtikan. The most dominant species is White Nato (Pouteria
macarantha). Other dominant species are Sablot (Litsea glutinosa) and Dungau (Astronia williamsii). This vegetation type is the most dominant particularly in areas
spared from cultivation at the western side of the lake.

4 | Protected Areas in Eastern Visayas

Palms
Erect palms are present in the area.They are usually

included in the life form of trees because they form a distinct
feature of the forest. Palms provide food, shelter, clothing,
timber, fuel, building materials, fibres, starch, oil waxes, wines,
and a host of minor products for indigenous populations in the
tropics. Fibers from various parts of the plants are made into
brooms, hats, and mats. The fruits and seeds are edible.

Vines
Climbing and creeping plants are also observed. Based from the 2017 BMS, there are five (5) additional vine species recorded. These are Calocasia spp., Laportea

diffusa, Melothria fluminensis Gardn, Passiflora edulis and Urtica arborensis. These creepers are juvenile climbers waiting for the chance of being lighted to eventually
row up into the canopy. Vines are present on dominant trees especially on the fig (Balete) trees. This species is identified on the mid elevation were trees of larger diameter
are dominant. Rattans are being introduced into the area through reforestation in order to boost supply for rattan gatherers.

Protected Areas in Eastern Visayas | 5

Ferns and Aroids Orchids
This type of forest is The presence of
forty-six (46) species
dominated by ferns species Drynaria of orchids in the
quercifollia (Pakpak lawin). Ferns site indicates a high
provide natural vegetation that’s level of diversity
important to both wildlife and birds. among the epiphytes
Various animals use the fronds as in this forest. The
food while birds and small creatures orchids enhance the
use the plants for cover. The aroid mutualism of the
species demonstrate varying growth flora and fauna in the
habit, sizes, shapes and color, as well PA site.
as morphological peculiarities. Based
on the growth habit, the different
aroid species maybe classified either
as erect, ground dwellers or climbers.
Herbaceous plants, grasses and sedges
as well as ferns and fern allies are
used as ecological indicators. Ani-i
(Pandanus copelandi) and Lingo-
Lingo (Vitex turczaninowi) are two (2)
additional species in LDNP.

6 | Protected Areas in Eastern Visayas

Faunal Diversity - Birds
A total of eighty four (84) birds

species belonging to 42 families were
recorded at LDNP. Dominated mainly by
species usually observed in forest edges
and ecotones.

Protected Areas in Eastern Visayas | 7

Amphibians

Fourteen (14)

species of amphibians from

seven families detected at

LDNP.

Mammals
There were twenty two (22) species of mammals from eleven (11) families and

nine (9) orders found within the Lake Danao Natural Park.

8 | Protected Areas in Eastern Visayas

Invertebrates

Reptile
The reptile assemblage at LDNP consists of seventeen (17) species from nine families. The species found are composed of one species

of freshwater turtle, several lizaerds- two agamids, three gekkonids, three scincids and one varanid lizard, and snakes ranging from the non-
poisonous constrictor, Phython reticulates, to the venomous cobras, Naja samarensis and Ophiophagus hannah.

Protected Areas in Eastern Visayas | 9

Livelihood

10 | Protected Areas in Eastern Visayas

Protected Areas in Eastern Visayas | 11

Activities

12 | Protected Areas in Eastern Visayas

Docking area

Eco Lodge Ecotourism
facilities

View Deck

Protected Areas in Eastern Visayas | 13

14 | Protected Areas in Eastern Visayas

Mahagnao Volcano Natural Park depicts Eastern Visayas’ biogeographic zones of midmountain Protected Areas in Eastern Visayas | 15
forest habitat, crater lakes and volcano peaks which stand over eight hundred (800) meters above sea level.
It contains three ecosystem/habitat types: Lake Ecosystem, Forest Ecosystem, and hot springs.

The park is proclaimed as a protected area pursuant to Republic Act No. 7586, otherwise known as
the NIPAS Act of 1992, by virtue of Proclamation No. 1157 dated February 3, 1998. It is placed under the
management category of natural park, primarily to protect and preserve its outstanding natural and scenic
features of national significance for scientific, educational, and recreational values.

The 653 hectares park rests on both mountainous and rolling terrain whose elevation ranges from
370 to 849 meters above sea level.

16 | Protected Areas in Eastern Visayas Andesitic volcano
peaks towering over
800 meters above
sea level and the
adjoining lakes are
the most striking
scenic features of the
park. Mt. Mahagnao,
the highest peak is an
extinct volcano. At
its southern side is
the popular mountain
of sulfuric fumaroles
and vegetation which
is strewn with white
clay and multicolored
rocks.

Lake Mahaganao is the largest lake in Mahagnao Volcano Natural Park with its deepest
portion measured at 60 meters. It is surrounded with lush vegetation of shrubs, bushes
and century old trees enhancing the beauty and splendor of the lake.

Protected Areas in Eastern Visayas | 17

Lake Malagsum is the second largest of the three lakes with an area
of approximately six (6) hectares. The deepest portion of the lake is
about six (6) meters. Lake Malagsum is uninhabited by freshwater life
because of the sulfuric and high acidity content of its water which taste
sour or “malagsum” in local dialect, hence, its name.

18 | Protected Areas in Eastern Visayas Lake Matigbao, or
Hubusan lies in a
higher elevation of
about 700 meters
above sea level. It is
surrounded with thick
vegetation and its water
teems with aquatic life
making it ideal for
game fishing.

Calor Hotspring believed to be medicinal , attracts
park visitors who come seeking relief from such
ailments as arthritis, rheumatoid, beriberi, and
other skin diseases.

Protected Areas in Eastern Visayas | 19

Flora

Diverse species of flora abound in the park as the area retains its vegetative
cover intact with minimal disturbance. The park exemplifies a tropical, rain
forest composed mainly of primary and secondary growth characterized by
dipterocarp species. It exhibits a natural stand of century old giant trees in their
primeval state, various species of rattan, palms and vines becoming abundant
as elevation increases. The presence of these magnificent trees measuring an
average of 120 centimeters in diameter at breast height distinctly characterized
MVNP from the other parks in the region.

20 | Protected Areas in Eastern Visayas

Protected Areas in Eastern Visayas | 21

22 | Protected Areas in Eastern Visayas

Fauna

The park is also endowed with a rich faunal composition of both
terrestrial and aquatic lifeforms. It is currently the home of endemic species
of freshwater fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals including rare
and endangered species. Game animals such as the Philippine Deer, Wild
Boar, Palm Civet and Philippine Tarsier are found in the area.

Protected Areas in Eastern Visayas | 23

24 | Protected Areas in Eastern Visayas

Protected Areas in Eastern Visayas | 25

The park is an ideal vacationing
and camping ground. Its scenic beauty,
serene, and pristine environment, as well
as cool and invigorating climate makes
the place an ideal outdoor recreational
area. It could also serve for in-situ and
ex-situ conservation of the regions
biological diversity resources.

26 | Protected Areas in Eastern Visayas

Protected Areas in Eastern Visayas | 27

Partners in environmental conservation. To ensure that the pristine environment and the rich natural resources of the Mahagnao Volcano Natural Park is protected, the
DENR organized the community into people’s organizations to serve as partners in the implementation of the National Greening Program (NGP) and other environmental
initiatives including monitoring, and maintenance and protection activities within the PA. Indigenous People (IP) groups within the park such as the Mamanwa Tribe
also commit full support towards the protection of the MVNP by taking part in the conservation efforts of the government.

28 | Protected Areas in Eastern Visayas

Protected Areas in Eastern Visayas | 29

Administration and Management

To ensure the utmost protection and management of MVNP, the park is placed under the National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS). The NIPAS Act or
RA 7586 which was passed on June 1992 provides for the establishment and management of protected areas in the Philippines. The management of the park is under the
control and administration of the DENR. The sitebased level is composed of a Protected Area Superintendent (PASu). The PAMBMVNP was created on July 22, 1994
and is composed of 10 members from the LGUs, NGOs, POs and OGAs. The PAMB serves as the decision making and planning body on site. The PASu is the chief
operating DENR Officer on site.

30 | Protected Areas in Eastern Visayas

Protected Areas in Eastern Visayas | 31

32 | Protected Areas in Eastern Visayas Cuatro Islas Protected Landscape/Seascape (CIPLS) is a

striking marine milieu nestled in the western part of Leyte. It is composed of four
scenic islets - Digyo, Apid, Mahaba and Himokilan. These islets are bordered by
white sandy shores and surrounded by beautiful coral gardens, considered one of the
bests in Leyte island.

Distinctive of the islands are their shapes and the types of
ecosystems they showcase. Himokilan Island in Hindang, is
famous for its wild terrestrial flora and fauna, caves and bats.
Mahaba Island of Inopacan, is famous for its rocky shores and
bathing beaches, while Apid and Digyo, which are located near
each other, are famous for its sandbars formed by the changing
current direction in the area.

Protected Areas in Eastern Visayas | 33

Digyo Island, spanning across 4.5 hectares is considered the smallest and the
“youngest” among the four islets of Cuatro Islas Protected Landscape and Seascape.
It is least inhabited, and is deemed most fragile and delicate, thus, can’t withstand
much pressure from human activities. From atop, its crystal clear waters provide a
translucent view of the island’s rich corals and under sea ecosystem.

34 | Protected Areas in Eastern Visayas

Mahaba Island in Inopacan with a total land area of 20.8 hectares is considered second youngest among the four islands of Cuatro Islas Protected Landscape

and Seascape. It offers an underwater paradise ideal for eco-tourism with some parts declared as marine sanctuary. The island provides a beautiful view of the Camotes

Sea, and is great for swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving. Mahaba Island is rich in pandan plants used for mat weaving. This grows in the island’s rugged terrain with

numerous sinkholes that are telltale of the island’s geological history. Along with coconut trees, the endangered mangrove species “Bantolinao” that thrives in coastline

rocks are also found abundantly in the island. Mahaba Island is also known for its nut-cracking coco-crabs locally known as “Tatus” and native crabs locally known as

“Alikway”. Protected Areas in Eastern Visayas | 35

A total of 287 species of reef building
corals can be found in the island waters of
Cuatro Islas. It showcases an underwater
paradise ideal for eco-tourism and marine
sanctuaries, and it provides a beautiful view
of the Camotes Sea. The area is likewise
ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and scuba
diving. The limestone formation in most of
the islands represent fossil of coral reefs and
fauna in the area.

Mahaba Island limestone boulders

Limestone overhang

36 | Protected Areas in Eastern Visayas

Apid Island

This island barangay which covers 35.6 hectares is considered the second largest among the four islands of Cuatro Islas. Household members of the island take

pleasure in weaving mats under the cool shade of breadfruit trees. In the island, one can also take delight at the sight of giant water jars expedient to the inhabitant as

rainwater catchment devices.

The hospitable native fishing villagers enthusiastically demonstrate their mastery in handicraft making from “Romblon” or Pandan plants endemic to Cuatro islas.

Households, as participants to the home-stay concept accommodate tourists overnight, or longer, for a modest pay. Safe and clean surroundings is one way of

exhibiting the villager’s tradition of clean hearts and souls and hospitality as the best asset of this islands, where social interaction offers a great chance to tourist to know

more about life of the islanders. Protected Areas in Eastern Visayas | 37

Apid Island rocky beach
covered with seaweeds

The CIPLS, a home to countless diverse coastal and marine organisms, wildlife and ecosystems was proclaimed as a Protected Area under the National Integrated
Protected Area System (NIPAS) Act of 1992. through Presidential Proclamation No. 270 signed on April 23, 2000.

Apid Island at the
Reef edge - The Wall

38 | Protected Areas in Eastern Visayas

The Himokilan Island, is considered as the eldest of the four islands. With its total land area of around 48 hectares, it is considered the largest among the four islands

of Cuatro Islas. The Himokilan, although part of the popular “Cuatro”, is separated from the three islets as it is within the territorial boundary of Hindang, Leyte. Shaped

like a large boot floating above blue waters, this island offers the best spot and trails for camping, spelunking, and mountain-trekking. It is also where big delicious

coconut-cracking crabs called “tatus” are found. Protected Areas in Eastern Visayas | 39

Himokilan Cave
Himokilan Island Rocky-Sandy Beach

40 | Protected Areas in Eastern Visayas