CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PIA) — Gov. Imelda Quibranza Dimaporo of Lanao del Norte has urged for Mt. Inayawan’s conservation, emphasizing its importance as a natural heritage.
The Mount Inayawan Range Natural Park (MIRNP) in Nunungan, Lanao del Norte, was launched as the 53rd ASEAN Heritage Park (AHP) and the 11th AHP in the Philippines during the 64th Araw ng Lanao del Norte celebration held on June 28 last year.
Dimaporo said it took them a considerable amount of time to secure the ASEAN heritage accreditation, and such a declaration elevated MIRNP to a protected area of significant conservation value.
“So, I told the mayor (Marcos Mamay), it needs to be preserved, and he has to relocate also those houses kay gadaghan na ang balay didto sa lake. Dayun nakita na nako nga naa nay green ang tubig, meaning ang hugaw sa mga balay naadto na sa lake,” she explained during the State of the Region Address press conference on June 20.
In order to prevent damage to the preserved area, Dimaporo, who also serves as the chairperson of the Regional Development Council (RDC)-10, suggested halting certain activities, particularly motocross events.
She said Mamay should also consider devising a relocation plan for the increasing number of houses situated near the lake, which can lead to pollution.
Dimaporo also encouraged the mayor to plant more bamboo around the lake and to consider planting additional pine trees in that area.
As part of initiatives to promote and preserve the MIRNP, the P10 million Torogan House project will soon be turned over to Nunungan’s local government unit. This facility will serve as a museum for tourists visiting Nunungan Lake, showcasing the vibrant Maranao culture.
“Very nice kaayo nga mabisita ang maong lugar kay in fact when Senator Zubiri was the guest speaker last two years ago, he really appreciated the lake. Mas gwapo pa kuno sa lake nila sa Apo kay mas dako man gud siya,” she added.
(It’s very nice to visit the place. In fact, when Senator Zubiri was the guest speaker there two years ago, he really appreciated the lake, which he said is even more beautiful than Lake Apo because it is much larger.)
MIRNP is Lanao del Norte’s largest remaining virgin forest, playing a vital role as a critical watershed in the province. It encompasses three major lakes—Malaig, Pantar, and Sungod—and supports the livelihoods of residents in the municipality and neighboring areas of Sapad, Kapatagan, and Lala. Additionally, it serves as a water source for industrial and domestic needs, as well as irrigation for the Kapatagan Valley, known as Lanao del Norte’s rice granary. (OSGJ/PIA-10)
