QUEZON City, Philippines (WWF)– Bud Bongao is Tawi-Tawi’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 went on a courtesy call to meet members of the Bud Bongao Management Council (BBMC) during its 15 February meeting at the Municipal Hall of Bongao in Tawi-Tawi.
Ms. Nur-Elnazeem Hadji, WWF-Philippines Site Coordinator for the project, Strengthening the Management of the Bud Bongao Local Conservation Area, presented the project objectives, plus 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 committee chairs, planning and development units, barangay representatives, accredited civil society organizations and religious leaders. All 29 representatives from eight barangays committed to fully support and participate in the project activities for the sustainable management of Bud Bongao.
In Bongao, March 1 is considered ‘Bud Bongao Day’ and local community members regularly spearhead activities which 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 amongst the neighbouring barangays under the theme Bud Bongao Ayaran, Dekayu Pusaka Min Kamatoahan (Protect Bud Bongao, the legacy of our forefathers).
Bud Bongao is Tawi-Tawi’s most famous mountain, an important pilgrimage site for both Christians and Muslims. (Gregg Yan / WWF)
The presentation being delivered during a meeting with the LGU of Bongao and the Bud Bongao Management Council. (Vema Gaticales / WWF)
Members of the council are all ears. WWF works with a wide range of allies to conserve Bud Bongao. (Honey Hadji / WWF)
