MGGNP CTB Rev 17-04-23 Final

Mt.
Guiting-Guiting
Natural Park
The Heart of Sibuyan Island
Copyright 2022
Department of Environment and Natural
Resources-PENRO Romblon.
All rights reserved.
No part of this publication may be

reproduced, stored in retrieval system or
transmitted in any form and by any means
without prior written permission from the
copyright holder.
Prepress Works by Joint-process Media

for DENR-PENRO Romblon
All photos, unless duly credited, are taken

by Andy Regla
ISBN: 978-xxx-xxx-xxx-x
Cataja Falls
4 MT. GUITING GUITING NATURAL PARK | The Heart of Sibuyan Island MT. GUITING GUITING NATURAL PARK | The Heart of Sibuyan Island 5
FOREWORD
Through this coffee table book,
we hope that our advocacy in the
conservation and protection of
Mt. Guiting-Guiting Natural Park
The introduction of Mt. Guiting-Guiting Natural Park Through this coffee table book, we hope that our
(MGGNP) through this coffee table book is just one advocacy in the conservation and protection of could reach a wider audience, garner
of our continuing efforts to protect and conserve
our natural treasures, particularly the biodiversity
MGGNP could reach a wider audience, garner
stronger support from the public, and reverberate stronger support from the public, and
of Sibuyan Island, considered the “Galapagos of
Asia.”
among the concerned sectors of our society.
And we know that our task is far from complete.
reverberate among the concerned
sectors of our society.
The protection and conservation of MGGNP is Hence, we need all the support and cooperation
not simply within the mandate of the Department, we can get — from the public and from each and
rather it is our duty to the future generations — to every Filipino citizen. We have a future to protect,
safeguard our environment — our source of life and and keeping MGGNP intact is just our initial step
future. Admittedly, this endeavor is no easy feat, to take.
with many challenges along the way. However, we
are confident that we could champion this, if our
partners from the local community and the general
public alike, will give their whole support and
cooperation.
LORMELYN E. CLAUDIO, CESO IV

Regional Executive Director
DENR-MIMAROPA
MESSAGE MESSAGE
Mt. Guiting-Guiting Natural Park is a gem bestowed The development of this book is just an attempt to Towering from the equally astounding Sibuyan One Romblon is with you for the good of Mt. Guiting-
upon us by nature. capture the experiences, as well as the challenges in Island, Mt. Guiting-Guiting has not only commanded Guiting and its ecosystem. Through collaboration,
keeping Mt. Guiting-Guiting Natural Park, the gem awe and sense of nostalgia from both visitors and surely, our next generations will also see and feel
One could never set foot on Sibuyan Island, it is now and bringing it forward into the future. locals alike, but it also serves as a reminder of our all that we had with mother nature.
without having to notice the imposing stature of Mt. contrasting impermanence and endurance.
Guiting-Guiting, with its rugged ridge, seemingly We may have the privilege of having this park to us
ripping into the sky. And as one stares longer, the today, experience its grandeur and natural beauty;
deeper she lost herself in enchantment. And who however, we also have the duty to preserve this It more than just a landscape, but a haven where life
wouldn’t be? gem for the future. This book is just a reminder for is nurtured and protected. With the establishment
us to uphold our responsibility to the environment of the natural park in 1996, every community in
But that is just the beginning. As one wanders and the next generation of Filipinos. the localities of Sibuyan has taken a sense of pride
further into the bounds of the protected area, she in being a host of the protected area. Needless to
could easily lose her self-awareness and be one say, we, Romblomanons, have recognized our duty
with nature. Such is the gift afforded to us by this to ensure that Mt. Guiting-Guiting continues to be
wonder in Sibuyan — a gift we have to cherish, for a refuge for all the life that abounds within and
us today, and for our children in the future. around the area.
MAXIMO C. LANDRITO JOSE R. RIANO

OIC-Assistant Regional Director for Governor
Technical Services Province of Romblon
DENR MIMAROPA
MT. GUITING GUITING NATURAL PARK | The Heart of Sibuyan Island 9

TABLE OF CONTENTS
The Majestic Mt. Guiting-Guiting ...............................................................13
A Home to Fascinating Endemic Flora and Fauna ...................................20
Flora ............................................................................................................22
Fauna ..........................................................................................................50
A Shelter to Indigenous Peoples ................................................................78
Experience Local Cultures and Traditions...................................................80
Famous Landmarks and Attractions .........................................................83
The Trail to the Summit................................................................................84
Exploring the Natural Wonders...................................................................92
A Biodiversity Hotspot to Conserve ..........................................................98
Acknowledgements........................................................................................106
References.......................................................................................................112
Majestic
THE
MT. GUITING-GUITING
At the heart of Sibuyan Island, christened as the “Galapagos of

Asia,” in the Province of Romblon, there stands a magnificent
mountain named Guiting-Guiting.
Mt. Guiting-Guiting, fondly called G2 by enthusiasts, is prominent

to mountaineers for being one of the toughest hikes in the
Philippines. Its saw-toothed shape and jagged rocky ridges, along
with its dramatic trails are what make it challenging to climb.
“The best view comes after the hardest climb.”
– Anonymous

Recognized as a key
biodiversity area,
Mt. Guiting-Guiting is one
of the last remaining centers
of rich biodiversity and a
reservoir of endemism in the
country, with relatively intact
habitats from sea
level to its peak.
The mountain has been blessed indeed with the
most diverse plants and animals throughout Asia.
Thus, with the desire to preserve this heritage

The highest peak of and legacy of Sibuyan Island,
Former President Fidel V. Ramos
Mt. Guiting-Guiting declared and established Mt. Guiting-Guiting a
Natural Park Protected Area under the category of a Natural
Park by virtue of Presidential Proclamation No.
is about 2,058 746 on 20 February 1996.
meters asl., making it In addition, on 22 June 2018, Former President

one of the 20 highest Its summit is primarily a heathland and grassland with Rodrigo Roa Duterte legislated the Mt. Guiting-
Guiting Natural Park and thereby approved the
mountains in the
exposed rocks on the serrated ridges of the peak.
expansion of the area from 15, 265.48 hectares
Philippines. to 15,515.22 hectares, under Republic Act No.
11038, otherwise known as the “Expanded
National Integrated Protected Areas System Act.”

Who doesn’t
want to hike
such a mountain,
set foot on its sacred summit, and
behold the austere grandeur of
the mountain’s scenery?
Mt. Guiting-Guiting is
widely known among
local scientists and
mountaineers to have the
best panoramic mountain
view in the Philippines.
Experience hiking like an enthusiast following
the 45° slope trail of Mt. Guiting-Guiting and
be captivated with the amazing panorama that
awaits.

Sibuyan island is known to have the densest forest in
the Philippines with a full range of forest gradients
consisting of mangrove, lowland, montane, mossy
forests, heathland, and grassland.
A forest inventory conducted by the National Museum

in 1995 identified density within the area at 1,551 trees
Fascinating
per hectare in 123 families, which is considered the
highest number in the country.
A HOME TO Undoubtedly, Mt. Guiting-Guiting proudly stands as the
only remaining mountain in the country with a complete
habitat of its slope.
Endemic Flora and Fauna Regarded as the last remaining center of biodiversity
and a reservoir of native species in the Philippines,
Mt. Guiting-Guiting is home to fascinating
endemic flora and fauna.
The presence of these species are vital

as they contribute significantly to the
ecosystem health of
Mt. Guiting-Guiting Natural Park.
Philippine Hanging Parakeet

Loriculus philippensis bournsi
Mountain Raspberry
Rubus fraxinifolius

Flora Numerous endemic
Wildflowers abound! species occupy specific
habitats in
Mt. Guiting-Guiting.
Many of these plants remain untouched

and are yet to be identified by scientists
since they are mostly situated in primary
forests with an elevation of 100 meters or
higher.
Unidentified species
Located 1 ,000 above sea level of the

heatland forest of Mount Guiting-Guiting.

Tree Fern
Cyathea sibuyanensis
Sibuyan Ant Plant

Myrmecodia beccarii
Ferns are Ferns are a highly ornamental plant that can
characterized
be used for food, medicine, as biofertilizer,
and as a remedy for contaminated soil. Aside
by ascending from that, ferns have also been the subject of
research because of their ability to remove
trunk-like stems some chemical pollutants from the atmosphere.
and a tree-like
fragment
24 MT. GUITING GUITING NATURAL PARK | The Heart of Sibuyan Island
Sibuyan Ground Orchid
Spathoglottis sibuyanensis


Lady Slipper
Paphiopedilum hennisianum
Mangkono
Xanthostemon verdugonianus
The hardest and heaviest

wood in the Philippines Lady Slipper, whose flowers
resides at bloom for two months,
Mt. Guiting-Guiting. symbolizes capricious
Locally known as tiga, this plant thrives in river
banks, around 0° to 90° slope rocky areas,
beauty.
and near other bodies of freshwater, tolerant
of drought and infertile soil making it useful Its reddish brown, slipper-shaped lip serves
for flood control. as a trap for pollinating insects, forcing them
to climb past the reproductive structures and
Although abundant in Mt. Guiting-Guiting deposit or receive pollinia (pollen masses).
Natural Park. Mangkono can also be found in
other places
Kapa-Kapa
Medinilla gitingensis sp.
Sibuyan Lipstick Plant

Agamyla sibuyanensis
Located only at Named after the lip color, which resembles
700-1,300 meters
flower buds that peek out of dark-colored
tubes, the Sibuyan Lipstick Plant is an attraction
above sea level to sunbirds and hummingbirds for its pungent
aroma, along with its green, ovate, opposite
waxy, and somewhat succulent leaves.

The nectar of this
plant is sunbirds’
favorite diet.
This medium size tree can be found at 50-100
meters above sea level of Mt. Guiiting-Guiting.
This was taken in So. Gaong River, Brgy. Dacrydium sp.
Tampayan, Magdiwang, Romblon. This species
was also observe in Brgy. Taclobo and Espana,
San Fernando, Romblon.
This kind of tree belongs This is one of three species discovered by

to family Podocarpaceae Forester Malvin R. Rocero in Tampayan,
Magdiwang, Romblon within trail going to
identified by Dr. Pastor Mayo’s Peak of Mt. Guiting-Guiting from
Patalsik-pula Malabrigo of UP College 1,000-1,500 meters asl. On his Thesis titled:

Floristic Composition and Physiognomy of
Decaspermum blancoi of Forestry as new Forest Stands in Mt. Guiting-Guiting, Sibuyan
record in Sibuyan and Island, Province of Romblon on March 2015.

This was one of the greatest number found on
possibly new species. study sites.
Ornamental species for
Katmon Sibuyan public parks, hotels, and
Dellenia sibuyanensis
beach resorts.
This species flourishes in river banks and near

other bodies of freshwater, Katmon Sibuyan is
ultimately helpful for flood control. Its graceful
flowers are sometimes used as leis or garland.
Red Lauan
Shorea negrosensis

Sibuyan Pitcher Plant
Nepenthes sibuyanensis
Famous for its The Pitcher Plant is a carnivorous plant that

traps and digests insects using its leaves. It has
flesh-eating ways and the ability to make an insect fall into its pool of
slippery surfaces fluid and ensure that the prey would cling to its
surface and can no longer climb back out. Climbing Orchid
Pseudo freycinetia

Dalingdingan
Hopea foxworthyi
Tibangan
Pinanga sibuyanensis

Almaciga
Agathis philippinensi
Bil-is
Heterospathe sibuyanensis


heatland forest of Mount Guiting-Guiting. Located 1 ,000 above sea level of the
Hikers can vouch for the

natural richness of
Mt. Guiting-Guiting with
the presence of delicate
flowers.
Many of these plants remain untouched
and unidentified – gracefully blooming
while silently waiting to be known and
set eyes on.

Begonia sp.

Sibuyan Palindan
Orania palindan sibuyanensis
Sibuyan Mistletoe
Decaisnina sibuyanensis



Fauna
Malay Civet
Viviera tangalunga
IIn the eerily silent and

undisturbed part of the
Mt. Guiting-Guiting forest
lives a multitude of faunas
of different kinds.
Mt. Guiting-Guiting carries the world record in
the number of mammal species, including other
rare, endangered, and vulnerable species of
mammals, birds, and reptiles.

Reptiles
Green Morph
Ahaetulla prasina preocularis
Keel Bellied Whip Snake

Dryophiops philippina

Romblon Narrow-disked Gecko
Cyrtodactylus sp.
Philippine Bent-Toed Gecko

Cyrtodactylus philippinicus

Arthropods
Round Backed Millipede

Spilornis cheela holospilus
House Centipede
Order scutigeromorpha

Amphibians Insects
An arboreal species
and an ecosystem
Lawton’s Wrinkled Ground Frog balancer
Platymantis lawtoni
Lawton’s Wrinkled Ground Frog is an
insects’ prey, and a diet of reptiles, birds,
and selected mammals, an endemic to
Sibuyan Islands, Romblon.
Brown Pansy
Junonia hedonia

Commander Butterfly
Moduza procris
Tropical Swallowtail Moth

Lyssa zampa

Golden Orbweb Spider
Nepphila pilipes
Curved Long-Spinned Spider

Macracantha arcuata

Mammals Sibuyan Giant Moss-Mouse
Tarsomys sp. A
Sibuyan Striped- Shrew Rat

Chrotomys sibuyanensis

Sibuyan Pygmy Fruit Bat
Philippine Tube-Nosed Fruit Bat Haplonycteris sibuyanensis
Nyctimene rabori
A great pollinator of
hundreds of species of
plants, biological pest
control, and a seed
disperser.
Sibuyan Pygmy Fruit Bat is a good source of
guano fertilizer, bush meat, and medicine.

Gastropods Avians
Helicostyla effusa
Crested Serpent Eagle

Spilornis cheela holospilus
This bird species

belongs to family
Accipitridae under
Eagle species.
One of the two endemic races in the Philippines
eagle (palawanenses and holospilus). The most
conspicuous of all Philippine raptors. Soars
high above the forest edge from lowlands to
over 2000 m.asl. that occurs once thermal
develop and can continue throughout
This snail species belong to family Bradybaenidae, endemic to the day. Hunts in the forest canopy
Romblon Province. It occurs on lower elevation of Mt. Guiting- preying on snakes
Guiting with two forms /varieties-plain white and banded and lizards.
(brown bands). This species was observe and collected by
Ms. Gizelle A. Batomalaque, Ph. D. candidate of Institute
of Biology, College of Science, University of the Philippines-
Diliman on her Project Title: Phylogenetic reconstruction
and biogeography of the Philippine Helicostylinae
(Eupulmonata:Styommatophora)
Tamsi Crimson Magnificent Sunbird (male) Tamsi Crimson Magnificent Sunbird (female)
Aethopyga siparaja Aethopyga siparaja
Orange-bellied Flowerpecker
Dicaeum trigonostigma sibuyanicum
Endowed with a
very dark olive
green rump and
Endemic in Cebu, Panay, The Tamsi Crimson Magnificent Sunbird, greyish blue chin
Negros, Tablas and both male and female, helps in balancing the and throat
ecosystem, dispersing seeds, and pollinating.
Sibuyan The role of the Orange-bellied Flowerpecker
in spreading parasitic mistletoes on trees is
perceived to be essential for this enhances
biodiversity and provides food for a variety of
animals.
Purple-throated Sunbird (female)
Nectarinia sperata spp.
Sunbirds are known
for being
monogamous and
territorial.
These bird species display sexual
dimorphism which means that both
males and females evolve different
colourations.
Mantanani Scops-Owl
Otus mantananensis romblonis
Purple-throated Sunbird (male)

Nectarinia sperata spp.

Rufous-lored Kingfisher
Ruddy Kingfisher Todiramphus winchelli nesydrionetes
Halcyon Coromanda major
Possessing excellent vision and a thick lipstick-

red bill, Ruddy Kingfisher is an ace hunter,
able to swoop down on exposed prey from
above.
Labeled as vulnerable by the International

Union for Conservation of Nature
due to extensive lowland forest loss in
Sibuyan, the Rofous-lored Kingfisher
is endemic and ecosystem balancer to
the Philippines, and, beyond a doubt, a
treasure worth conserving.

The smallest parrot
in the Philippines
Philippine Hanging Parakeet dwells only in
Loriculus philippensis bournsi sibuyanensis Mt. Guiting-Guiting
Natural Park.

A Shelter TO
Indigenous Peoples
Groups of upland indigenous peoples, locally known as Sibuyan

Mangyan Tagabukid, take refuge in the heart fringes of
Mt. Guiting-Guiting. With their total population accounting for
1.5% of the entire Sibuyan Island, the Sibuyan Mangyan have
their ancestral domain, sharing a common boundary with the
protected area.

Experience local culture
and traditions
Living in isolation, within

the upland communities Mt. Guiting-Guiting remains a terrestrial
of Mt. Guiting-Guiting, life-support system and a haven for
Sibuyan Mangyan Tagabukid.
the Sibuyan Mangyan
Tagabukid practice Thick vines, locally known as baging,
nito, and rattan, harvested mainly from
subsistence farming, often the forests of the said mountain, are
used to make baskets and handicrafts.
with only a bolo on their
hands. With just bare hands and native
ingenuity, Sibuyan Mangyan Tagabukid
craft their household implements from
The passage of the Indigenous Peoples’ forest resources such as these non-timber
Rights Act (IPRA) in 1997 has provided forest products.
new opportunities to promote the welfare
and culture of the marginalized indigenous
groups, particularly in the case of the Sibuyan
Mangyan Tagabukid, with their ancestral
domain overlapping with the protected areas.
This provision of the law ushers a prospect
of the co-existence of an indigenous way of
life with the conservation and protection of
biodiversity in the protected areas.

Famous
Landmarks
ANDAttractions
Mt. Guiting-Guiting Natural Park is also a destination to behold — with

unspoilt wonders waiting to be discovered!
Epifanio Regla From ridge to reef, the park is indeed a destination of choice.
One renowned person in Sibuyan Island is

Epifanio Regla, the late and legendary IP
legislator. A Sibuyan Mangyan Tagabukid
and a member of Asosasyon ng Tribong
Sibuyan Mangyan Tagabukid, Epifanio Regla
served as the first Chieftain of Panaguintingan
Tribal Cluster and took the lead in promoting
bayanihan among his fellows. Being an author
and an elder, he penned the Traditional Rules
of Sibuyan Mangyan Tagabukid, a precept that
indigenous peoples ought to live by.

An awe-inspiring view, imposing mountain ranges, and a welcoming
atmosphere are awaiting!
The Trail to the Summit

Going to the summit is
no easy feat, but a truly
rewarding experience.
The trail leading to the ridge is a natural

museum of wonders. Littered with lush green
flora and crystal clear cold springs, the way
to the peak is an endless display of diversity,
captivating visitors in every spot.
View of Mt. Guiting-Guitiing Natural Park summit from upper Gaong River during summer time.

Mayo’s peak
The Mayo’s Peak was named after Mayo Monteza of the Philippine Mountaineering Society who
celebrated his birthday in May 1982 during his first attempt, alongside a group of mountaineers from
the University of the Philippines Manila, to climb and conquer Mt. Guiting-Guiting. At 1550 meters
above sea level, this peak already offers breathtaking views of the mountain, the island, and the sea. Peak of Deception
The peak is known as the Peak of Deception
because it appears to be the summit when
viewed from the opposite side of the mountain
range. This is a great spot to catch the
picturesque scenery of the jagged ridges of Mt.
Guiting-Guiting.

There are camps, separated a few kilometers
from each other, lie along the trail to Mayo’s Peak
or the Department of Environment and Natural
Resources (DENR) station. These camps are
welcome sights for those ascending or descending
Mayo’s Peak.

Exploring the natural wonders
Within the protected area The Protected Area Management Office
provides guidelines to the general public on
are several stops that offer the schedules of fees for facility usage and
a unique opportunity to entrances.
commune with nature. Apart from hiking into the summit of Mt.
Guiting-Guiting, the park also offers entrance
to Lambingan Falls and Gaong River.

Sibuyan Island is relatively accessible to the general public and can be reached by commercial roll-on
roll-off (RORO) ferryboats. Within Sibuyan, transportation is typically by tricycle or commuter vans
that cross the municipalities of Magdiwang. Many households own a motorcycle or utility vehicle, while
commuter jeeps cross the municipalities of Magdiwang, Cajidiocan, and San Fernando, Romblon at
defined schedules mostly during the daytime.

Cantingas River Resort
It is the widest and biggest inland river water
in Sibuyan with a river area of 15 meters wide
by 25 meters long. Admirably, Cantingas
River Resort has bagged the cleanest river in
MIMAROPA Region for three (3) consecutive
years. The river has also been the water source
of irrigation for the rice land of Brgy. Taclobo,
San Fernando.
On top of that, the Cantingas Mini-Hydro

Electric Power Plant is located in the same
barangay. The Power Plant generates 900
kilowatts of electrical supplies and serves as
the main source of electricity on the Island of
Sibuyan.
Lambingan Falls
Located in Brgy. Silum, Magdiwang,
Romblon, this body of water consists
ofa series of falls that serves as the
source of potable water in the area.

Biodiversity
A
Hotspot TO CONSERVE
The management of the protected area is not without challenges.
In fact, the biodiversity of Mount Guiting-Guiting Natural Park is
in constant threat from wildlife poaching and illegal logging, apart
from other exploitative human incursions in the protected area.
To preserve the integrity of the unique ecosystem and the habitat

which supports Sibuyan Island and the region through sustainable
and community-based programs, Former President Fidel V. Ramos
declared and established Mt. Guiting-Guiting a Protected Area
under the category of a Natural Park by virtue of Presidential
Proclamation No. 746 on 20 February 1996.
Meanwhile on 22 June 2018, former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte

legislated the MGGNP and hereby approved the expansion of
the area from 15, 265.48 hectares to 15,515.22 hectares, with a
proposed buffer zone area of 10,936.20 hectares, under Republic
Act No. 11038, otherwise known as the “Expanded National
Integrated Protected Areas System Act” .

Recovered parakeets from trappings improvised
by local residents
The management of the protected area is not

without challenges. In fact, the biodiversity
of Mt. Guiting-Guiting Natural Park is under
constant threat from wildlife poaching and
illegal logging, apart from other exploitative
human incursions in the protected area.
In addition, challenges such as socio-
economic and socio-political have
Owing to the growing population in the area,
tremendously increased the pressures on the
human pressures contribute to the problems
forest, consequently, a dwindling wildlife
related to habitat management which call for
population and a continuing loss of forest
early and immediate attention. These include
cover have been recorded.
unregulated harvesting of forest products
(timber and non-timber), including wildlife;
The particular factors for these circumstances
Slash-and-burn farming system or Kaingin,
involve the public’s lack of awareness,
pollution from agrochemicals, unsustainable
knowledge, and understanding of existing
harvesting of river resources (e.g., use of
regulations, lack of political will to strictly
chemicals), unsustainable demand for forest
enforce regulations, lack of resourcefulness
resources, and fire hazards.
in finding available alternatives to essential
natural resources, lack of creativity in
Timber poaching, or forest exploitation of
devising alternative livelihood activities for
timber and non-timber products, continues to
the poorer communities, low returns from
this day but is very minimal. Hence, the high
subsistence agriculture, and inadequate
demand for premium lumber in neighboring
tenure of the resource bases for those
provinces, in both furniture and building
involved in subsistence agriculture, fishing,
construction industries, remains a peril to
and harvesting of forest products.
Sibuyan Island, especially since the number
of illegal loggers has increased, with their
complete arms and ammunition.
Lawin Patrolling
Tree Planting
Initial efforts for the protection and

conservation of Mt. Guiting-Guiting
commenced in the late 1970s
through the initiative of MAGCAISA,
a consortium of Local Government
Units of Sibuyan. MAGCAISA, which
means “unity”, is an acronym for
Magdiwang, Cajidiocan, and San
Fernando - the three municipalities of
the Island, driven with the purpose of
advocating Mt. Guiting-Guiting, along
with surrounding areas, an official
Protected Area.
The conservation efforts continue up to

this day.
To combat biodiversity loss and ensure

that the protected area remains intact,
the Protected Area Management
Board (PAMB), a policy–making body
of the Protected Area Management
Office, represented by LGUs,
the barangay captains, people’s
organizations, non-governmental
organizations and private sector, is
at the helm in managing Mt. Guiting-
Guiting Natural Park, duly supervised
by Biodiversity Management Bureau
(BMB), DENR MIMAROPA Regional
Office through the Provincial
Environment and Natural Resources
Office and Sibuyan Sub-station and
Protected Area Management Office.
The Multi-Sectoral Forest Protection Committee (MFPC) members, perceived by the public as a deterrent
to illegal loggers, remain an active partner of the DENR in forest protection works. They continue to Clean Up Drive
assist in the preventive forest patrolling/surveillance activities on forest protection works in coordination
with the concerned Local Government Units (LGUs), MFPC and Barangay Captains/officials.
The synergy between the Brigade’s
Meanwhile, the Blue/Green Brigades have assisted DENR field officers in the apprehension of illegal volunteers and DENR Sibuyan
forest products and carried out information, education, and communication campaigns (IECs) in the Sub-station has eventually resulted in a
local community to abate the threat to the biodiversity of MGGNP brought by human activities previously reduction in the incidence of violation
mentioned. of forest, wildlife, and protected area
laws and regulation.
The IEC activities are focused on the need to preserve Mt. Guiting-Guiting, the importance of boundary
delineation, and the wise use and management of the proposed buffer zone. Signages have also been The implementation of the LAWIN
installed in designated areas of MGGNP to inform both the local communities and visitors about the (Landscape and Wildlife Indicator)
management of the Park. While, printed materials like tarpaulin and brochures have been distributed to Biodiversity Protection System has also
schools/universities, private sectors, and other stakeholders, for their reference and guidance. been a great help in the preventive
forest patrolling/surveillance over
the protected area to keep down
violations.
The Municipalities of Magdiwang,

Cajidiocan, and San Fernando in
Romblon have also taken initiatives
in safeguarding the Mt. Guiting-
Guiting Natural Park. Through
a Memorandum of Agreement
between the DENR MIMAROPA and
the three LGUs, a total budget of
Php100,000.00 was initially allocated
for the operation and maintenance of
the park. The amount has served as
a payment to the hired Park Rangers
and has been utilized in other relevant
activities within PAMB. This drive
has been undertaken since 2008,
consequently, the allocation of the
budget has now reached half a million
pesos (Php 500,000).
PAMB Meeting
Also, commitment setting and
collaboration among partner
agencies, the local government units,
and the community stakeholders are
set in place, to ensure successful
management of the protected area.
Training and capacitation among
community leaders and volunteers
have also been highlighted as a
crucial component of conservation
and protection efforts.
Of particular note on capacity-

building efforts among community
stakeholders is the recruitment and
training of volunteer partners in
park protection, such as the case
of Kuya Andy Regla. A member of
the indigenous Sibuyang Mangyan
Tagabukid himself, Andy has been
one of the faces of community-based
protected area management.
Started as a volunteer, and now

holds a permanent position in the
government, Kuya Andy’s countless
and extended participation in
MGGNP’s conservation efforts is
highly remarkable, undeniably
proven and tested in public service.
His photography skills have also been
showcased as he serves as the main
photographer of this coffee table
book.
MOUNT GUITING-GUITING
NATURAL PARK
ADMINISTRATION
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Protected Area Management Board,
Mt. Guiting-Guiting Natural Park
Brgy. Tampayan, Magdiwang Sibuyan Island
Office of the Congressional Representative, Lone District of Romblon
Protected Area Management Office

Sitio Logdeck, Brgy. Tampayan, Magdiwang, Romblon
Office of the Governor, Province of of Romblon
Provincial Environment
and Natural Resources Office Protected Area Management Board of MGGNP
Tabing-dagat, Odiongan, Romblon
Department of Environment and Natural

Resources MIMAROPA Region
1515 L&S Building, Roxas Boulevard, Ermita, Manila
Biodiversity Management Bureau

Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife Center,
Diliman Quezon City
zookeys.pensoft.net
Philippine Bent-Toed Gecko | pg.61
PHOTO CREDITS Noel Thomas

Keel-bellied Whip Snake | pg.62
Malvin Rocero
Siler,Cameron
Andy Regla
Romblon Narrow-disked Gecko | pg.63
Ariane Drapeau
RJ Abalos
The Gov’t of Japan tweeter page
Remy Robiso
Ruddy Kingfisher | pg.64
Rebecca Delgado
Lydia Raet
Ruddy Kingfisher
Joon Mier da Mienta
Rufous -lored Kingfisher | pg.65
Vinz Pascua
JJ Harrison
Philippine Hanging Parakeet | pg.21
Tamsi Crimson Magnificent Sunbird (male) | pg.69
Jerry Coleby-Williams
Sylvia Ramos
Ant Plant | pg.24
Tamsi Crimson Magnificent Sunbird (female) | pg.69
commons.wikimedia.org
Somchai Kanchanasut
Green Morph | pg.52
Orange-bellied Flowerpecker | pg.71
Tropical Swallowtail Moth | 58
www.inaturalist.org
JKurt (Orionmystery) G
Golden Orbweb spider | pg.74
Keel Bellied Whip Snake | pg.53
wildlifemalaysia.com
Jean and Fred Hort
Curved long-spinned spider | pg.75
Brown Pansy | pg.57
Steve Albano
Wild Birds of the Philippines
Philippine Hanging Parakeet | pg.76
Purple-throated Sunbird | pg.60
REFERENCES
• Mount Guiting-Guiting Natural Park Protected Area Management Plan
• Mount Guiting-Guiting Natural Park Ecotourism Management Plan
• Sibuyan Mangyan Tagabukid NCIP Profile
• Republic Act No. 11038 or Expanded National Integrated Protected Areas System Act

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LORMELYN E. CLAUDIO, CESO IV

MAXIMO C. LANDRITO JOSE R. RIANO

MT. GUITING GUITING NATURAL PARK | The Heart of Sibuyan Island 9

At the heart of Sibuyan Island, christened as the “Galapagos of

Mt. Guiting-Guiting, fondly called G2 by enthusiasts, is prominent

MT. GUITING GUITING NATURAL PARK | The Heart of Sibuyan Island 15

Thus, with the desire to preserve this heritage

meters asl., making it In addition, on 22 June 2018, Former President

MT. GUITING GUITING NATURAL PARK | The Heart of Sibuyan Island 17

MT. GUITING GUITING NATURAL PARK | The Heart of Sibuyan Island 19

A forest inventory conducted by the National Museum

The presence of these species are vital

Philippine Hanging Parakeet

MT. GUITING GUITING NATURAL PARK | The Heart of Sibuyan Island 21

Many of these plants remain untouched

Located 1 ,000 above sea level of the

MT. GUITING GUITING NATURAL PARK | The Heart of Sibuyan Island 23

Sibuyan Ant Plant

Ferns are Ferns are a highly ornamental plant that can

Located 1 ,000 above sea level of the

26 MT. GUITING GUITING NATURAL PARK | The Heart of Sibuyan Island

The hardest and heaviest

Sibuyan Lipstick Plant

Located only at Named after the lip color, which resembles

MT. GUITING GUITING NATURAL PARK | The Heart of Sibuyan Island 31

This kind of tree belongs This is one of three species discovered by

Patalsik-pula Malabrigo of UP College 1,000-1,500 meters asl. On his Thesis titled:

record in Sibuyan and Island, Province of Romblon on March 2015.

This species flourishes in river banks and near

34 MT. GUITING GUITING NATURAL PARK | The Heart of Sibuyan Island

Famous for its The Pitcher Plant is a carnivorous plant that

MT. GUITING GUITING NATURAL PARK | The Heart of Sibuyan Island 37

MT. GUITING GUITING NATURAL PARK | The Heart of Sibuyan Island 39

40 MT. GUITING GUITING NATURAL PARK | The Heart of Sibuyan Island

Located 1 ,000 above sea level of the

Hikers can vouch for the

Located 1 ,000 above sea level of the

44 MT. GUITING GUITING NATURAL PARK | The Heart of Sibuyan Island

46 MT. GUITING GUITING NATURAL PARK | The Heart of Sibuyan Island

Located 1 ,000 above sea level of the

48 MT. GUITING GUITING NATURAL PARK | The Heart of Sibuyan Island

IIn the eerily silent and

50 MT. GUITING GUITING NATURAL PARK | The Heart of Sibuyan Island

Keel Bellied Whip Snake

52 MT. GUITING GUITING NATURAL PARK | The Heart of Sibuyan Island

Philippine Bent-Toed Gecko

54 MT. GUITING GUITING NATURAL PARK | The Heart of Sibuyan Island

Round Backed Millipede

56 MT. GUITING GUITING NATURAL PARK | The Heart of Sibuyan Island

58 MT. GUITING GUITING NATURAL PARK | The Heart of Sibuyan Island

Tropical Swallowtail Moth

MT. GUITING GUITING NATURAL PARK | The Heart of Sibuyan Island 61

Curved Long-Spinned Spider

MT. GUITING GUITING NATURAL PARK | The Heart of Sibuyan Island 63

Sibuyan Striped- Shrew Rat

64 MT. GUITING GUITING NATURAL PARK | The Heart of Sibuyan Island

66 MT. GUITING GUITING NATURAL PARK | The Heart of Sibuyan Island

Crested Serpent Eagle