WWF backs Bud Bongao mountain environment-conservation effort

Bud Bongao is Tawi-Tawi province’s most famous mountain, an important pilgrimage site for both Christians and Muslims.

Leading environmental solutions provider World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF-Philippines) recently paid a courtesy call on members of the Bud Bongao Management Council (BBMC) during its meeting at the municipal hall of Bongao on Feb. 15.

Nur-Elnazeem Hadji, WWF-Philippines site coordinator for the project called “Strengthening the Management of the Bud Bongao Local Conservation Area,” presented the project objectives, plus the expected outputs and activities.

With a grant from the Philippine Tropical Forest Conservation Foundation (PTFCF), the project aims to enhance the management of the Bud Bongao conservation area through capacity-building assistance for the BBMC.

The BBMC is composed of local government heads, Sangguniang Bayan (town council) committee chairmen, planning and development units, barangay representatives, accredited civil-society organizations, and religious leaders.

All 29 representatives from eight barangays committed to support and participate in the project activities for the sustainable management of Bud Bongao.

In Bongao, Mar. 1 is considered “Bud Bongao Day,” and local community members regularly spearhead activities that highlight the importance of conserving Bud Bongao.

The project provided a platform for members to plan and develop various IEC activities, like Alay Lakad, or solidarity walks to raise conservation awareness especially among the neighboring barangays under the theme “Bud Bongao Ayaran, Dekayu Pusaka Min Kamatoahan (Protect Bud Bongao, the legacy of our forefathers).”