The 1st Biodiversity Monitoring System (BMS) in Basilan, led by the Community ENRE Office of Basilan – 2nd District, under Biodiversity, Ecosystems, Research, and Development (BERDS) of the Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources, and Energy (MENRE) – BARMM, kicked off on March 14 in Lamitan City.

The BERDS team trekked about 1.2 km before reaching all stations erected on the site. From Station 1 to Station 8, with an altitude of 851 above sea level, the team documented what they heard and witnessed, both Flora and Fauna. This initiative aims to improve the information available for decision-makers in protected areas by regularly collecting data on natural biological resources and their utilization.

Protected areas have been established to conserve the “Philippine Samut-Saring Buhay” or the “Biodiversity.” Repeated data sampling or monitoring is reinforced to ensure that an area’s biodiversity is maintained as per the National Integrated Protected Areas Systems (NIPAS) Act of 1992 and the management objectives of the protected areas. Thus, through the support of MENRE Minister Akmad A. Brahim and BERDS Director Mohamad Ali R. Dimaren since the preceding year, PENREO Basilan has conducted the BMS at the Basilan Natural Biotic Area, particularly the identified and established Transect route at Barangay Arco.

The activity was headed by Senior Ecosystems Management Specialist Marsida S. Lutian, with the Paharyador, BPAT, and Chief Visionary Officers of Barangay Arco.