VALENCIA CITY, Bukidnon – Government officials, Indigenous Peoples (IP) leaders, Bantay Lasang Volunteers (BLVs), community members, and other stakeholders gathered for the two-day grand celebration of the 20th Aldaw ta Kalatungan on May 5–6, 2026, reaffirming their shared commitment to protecting one of Mindanao’s most vital ecological and cultural treasures

Carrying the theme, “Kalatungan: One Mountain, One Community, One Responsibility” (Kalatungan: Sabuwa Buntod, Sabuwa Banuwa, Sabuwa Panabud), this year’s annual gathering drew participants from 21 barangays across the municipalities of Pangantucan, Maramag, Talakag, and Valencia City during the opening program held at the Covered Court of Mt. Nebo Integrated School in Barangay Mt. Nebo, Valencia City.

Gracing the event was Atty. Alberto R. Lagamon, Commissioner of the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) for Northern and Western Mindanao.

Lagamon highlighted that the Mt. Kalatungan Range Natural Park (MKaRNP) serves as the ancestral home of the Talaandig, Manobo, Bukidnon, and Higaonon tribes, while also standing as one of Mindanao’s key biodiversity areas, harboring 120 species of fauna and 324 species of flora.

He emphasized the significance of Mt. Kalatungan as a critical watershed while acknowledging the threats it has faced. He said from 2001 to 2020, around 400 hectares of forest cover were lost, underscoring the urgent and collective responsibility to safeguard the mountain’s ecological integrity.

Despite these challenges, Lagamon noted encouraging gains in conservation, citing 55 hectares of reforested land achieved through collaborative efforts of the government and partner organizations from 2001 to 2012, with biodiversity in the area remaining remarkably rich.

Representing Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Regional Office 10 Regional Executive Director Dr. Henry A. Adornado, Assistant Regional Director for Technical Services Ronald D. Gadot delivered a message calling for unity in protecting Mt. Kalatungan.

He emphasized that the people must stand together in safeguarding the mountain, whose vast richness in biodiversity remains evident to this day.

“The presence of the Philippine Eagle in Mt. Kalatungan is a powerful testament that its natural environment remains abundantly alive—not only sustaining the Indigenous Peoples, but also providing them with food, clean water, and thriving hunting grounds,” Adornado said.

He also recognized the unwavering dedication of BLVs, IP leaders, and barangay officials in preserving and protecting Mt. Kalatungan.

Adornado further conveyed his heartfelt gratitude to the Provincial Government of Bukidnon, as well as the local government units of Valencia City, Maramag, Talakag, and Pangantucan, for their steadfast support to the DENR in its continuing mission to conserve the protected area.

He likewise underscored the importance of sustainable management and long-term environmental stewardship to ensure that Mt. Kalatungan remains a sanctuary for both biodiversity and future generations.

In last year’s message, delivered by Bukidnon PENRO Thomas L. Cardente II, Adornado described Mt. Kalatungan as “a haven of biodiversity and a sanctuary of life,” encompassing more than 20,000 hectares of lush forests, vital watersheds, and a rich cultural landscape.

Meanwhile, Datu Bagusayana Johnny B. Guina, chairperson of the Mt. Kalatungan Council of Elders, once again challenged fellow IP leaders and BLVs to remain steadfast in protecting the natural park. Once a pro-mining advocate, he shared how destructive mining activities had negatively impacted his tribal community in Barangay Portulin, Pangantucan—an experience that transformed him into a committed environmental defender.

Representing Valencia City Mayor Amie G. Galario, executive assistant Luz M. Enad reaffirmed the city government’s support for eco-tourism initiatives, not only in Mt. Nebo but across Valencia City and the broader Mt. Kalatungan landscape.

In her welcome remarks, Mt. Nebo Barangay Captain Luchie B. Baloco delivered a heartfelt call for unity.

“Though we may come from different roots and backgrounds, let us unite in preserving our beloved Mt. Kalatungan. This is not merely land we pass through, but a living heritage entrusted to our care. Each one of us carries the responsibility of continuing the protection of our environment for the sake of future generations,” she said.

Also present during the celebration were Protected Area Superintendent (PASu) Forester Roy R. Aguanta, Bukidnon PENRO Thomas L. Cardente II, Central Mindanao University (CMU) President Dr. Rolito G. Eballe, Valencia City IPMR Bae Irene B. Padian, and other distinguished guests and partners.

As part of the turnover ceremony, Talakag town administrator Alberto Bigcas formally accepted the responsibility on behalf of his municipality as the host of the 21st Aldaw ta Kalatungan next year.

This year’s Exemplary Awardees were recognized for their outstanding contributions to environmental protection and community leadership: Bae Saluday Endrita Pucol (Women Category), Datu Tumanod Herminio H. Guinto (Council of Elders Category), Reniel S. Lucday (Bantay Lasang Volunteer Category, Valencia City), Neilbert Polinda (Bantay Lasang Volunteer Category, Talakag), Bobby Mangkilala (Bantay Lasang Volunteer Category, Pangantucan), and Datu Jerry Limo-an (Bantay Lasang Volunteer Category, Pangantucan).

Activities throughout the celebration included a medical mission, feeding program, and distribution of school supplies to 100 elementary pupils; the planting of 500 Narra tree seedlings; Indigenous Sports Competition; a cultural heritage showcase; a congress for Bantay Lasang Volunteers and the Council of Youth; a planetarium dome show; education and public awareness campaigns on Philippine Eagle conservation; and other activities designed to strengthen environmental awareness and community participation.

Through two decades of collective stewardship, Aldaw ta Kalatungan continues to serve as a powerful reminder that protecting Mt. Kalatungan is not only a shared duty but also a lasting commitment to preserve a mountain that sustains both nature and culture. (melbmadera)