TURTLE ISLANDS, Tawi-Tawi — With its tagline “Tawi-Tawi to the World,” the Turtle Islands Wildlife Sanctuary (TIWS) truly houses thousands of floras and faunas that it can showcase to the world as it sets its sights on being recognized as an ASEAN Heritage Park (AHP).

Almost three years after the successful turnover of the management of the Turtle Islands Wildlife Sanctuary (TIWS) to the Bangsamoro Government through the Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources, and Energy on May 23, 2021, the Ministry’s Biodiversity, Ecosystems, Research, and Development Services (BERDS) capped its Stakeholder Meeting and Site Validation and Assessment of TIWS for AHP on April 22-28 at Taganak, Turtle Islands, Tawi-Tawi Province.

Armida P. Andres, Assistant Director from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Biodiversity Management Bureau (DENR-BMB), in her message, said that to be able for the islands to prosper, the community should take part.

One of the highlights of the messages relayed was about the relationship between people and wildlife.

“You should take part in this. Turtle Islands is incredibly beautiful,” said Ms. Jennie C. Litan, Technical Associate, reminding everyone to help conserve the islands and improve their supposed pristine state.

Andres additionally noted that one of the main challenges that they need to address is pollution. Her observation was also reiterated by Dr. Juanita Joseph, an expert and one of the validators from the University of Sabah Malaysia. However, it was assured that it is an environmental concern that can be addressed, relating it to the context of the islands’ AHP application.

Moreover, another subject of discussion laid out in the open forum was about livelihood for women. BERDS Protected Area Management Division Chief Joeffry L. Kamid shared that there was a related proposed plan for the islands’ women sector under the current Bangsamoro Development Plan.

Kamid also cited that a meeting with the Tourism Infrastructure Enterprise Zone Authority has already been conducted to support the livelihood of women in the islands. He added that conservation is not just about the wildlife on the islands but also about the involvement of the community as well.

In addition, Kamid assured that the MENRE will implement more programs to lessen marine litter after one of the locals put forward the issue of dumpsites. He shared that on the day of ‘Adlaw Sin Payukan’, the Ministry’s Environment Management Services is set to extend assistance on the matter.

Assisting in the meeting were Protected Area Superintendent Minda Bairulla and delegates from the MENRE. Joining the Ministry were Joedeelyn C. Solera from Mindanao Development Authority, Kim Cyrus M. Miranda from DENR-BMB, Vice Chancellor for Research and Extension, MSU-TCTO, Dr. Richard Muallil, MP Datu Suharto M. Ambolodto, Col. Junibert S. Turbo, Vice Mayor Suraida Ibnosali, and Ms. Abrille Y. Oraiz.

The activity ended after another meeting with Dr. Joseph and the locals of TIWS. Afterward, all validators and PENRE employees geared up for the site assessment of the six islands.