Biak-Na-Bato National Park

📣 BASAHIN || Pansamantalang babalik sa regular office hours (8:00 ng umaga hanggang 5:00 ng hapon) ang lahat ng tanggapan ng DENR Region 3 mula Marso 30 hanggang Abril 1, 2026.

Bilang paggunita ng Semana Santa, walang pasok ang DENR sa darating na Huwebes at Biyernes Santo.

Muling ipatutupad ang compressed workweek sa Abril 6, 2026.

BASAHIN || Pansamantalang babalik sa regular office hours (8:00 ng umaga hanggang 5:00 ng hapon) ang lahat ng tanggapan ng DENR Region 3 mula Marso 30 hanggang Abril 1, 2026.

Bilang paggunita ng Semana Santa, walang pasok ang DENR sa darating na Huwebes at Biyernes Santo.

Muling ipatutupad ang compressed workweek sa Abril 6, 2026.

🌳🌿🦇𝗪𝗢𝗥𝗟𝗗 𝗪𝗜𝗟𝗗𝗟𝗜𝗙𝗘 𝗗𝗔𝗬🐝🐞🐒

Every 3rd day of March, the global community celebrates World Wildlife Day to commemorate the role of our wildlife in our ecosystem. This year, under the theme “𝙈𝙚𝙙𝙞𝙘𝙞𝙣𝙖𝙡 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝘼𝙧𝙤𝙢𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙘 𝙋𝙡𝙖𝙣𝙩𝙨: 𝘾𝙤𝙣𝙨𝙚𝙧𝙫𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙃𝙚𝙖𝙡𝙩𝙝, 𝙃𝙚𝙧𝙞𝙩𝙖𝙜𝙚 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙇𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙡𝙞𝙝𝙤𝙤𝙙𝙨”, highlights the provisioning and cultural services being contributed by plants to human well-being.

The forest over limestone landscapes of Biak-Na-Bato National Park (BNBNP) are areas of great biological importance including species of flora known for their medicinal uses and therapeutic properties. For generations, the knowledge of local communities on the use of plants for traditional medicine to treat illnesses has been passed down, forming a bridge between nature and human health.

Some of these plants found within BNBNP were traditionally used by locals residing adjacent to the park:
𝗕𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗯𝗮 (𝘓𝘢𝘨𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘰𝘦𝘮𝘪𝘢 𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘤𝘪𝘰𝘴𝘢) – decoction of leaves is used for kidney problem;
𝗕𝗮𝗹𝗯𝗮𝗴𝗮𝘄𝗮𝗸 (𝘊𝘭𝘦𝘳𝘰𝘥𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘳𝘶𝘮 𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘢𝘩𝘢𝘴𝘴𝘢𝘦) – leaves are used as patch to relieve muscle spasms;
𝗔𝗽𝗱𝗼𝗻𝗴-𝗸𝗮𝗵𝗼𝘆/𝗟𝘂𝗻𝗮𝘀 (𝘓𝘶𝘯𝘢𝘴𝘪𝘢 𝘢𝘮𝘢𝘳𝘢) – decoction leaves and barks are used for stomachache; and
𝗟𝗶𝗽𝗮/𝗔𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗮𝘁𝗼𝗻𝗴 (𝘋𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘳𝘰𝘤𝘯𝘪𝘥𝘦 𝘮𝘦𝘺𝘦𝘯𝘪𝘢𝘯𝘢) – decoction of roots is used for kidney problem.

🌿💧𝗖𝗢𝗟𝗟𝗔𝗕𝗢𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗩𝗘 𝗥𝗘𝗦𝗘𝗔𝗥𝗖𝗛 𝗢𝗡 𝗖𝗔𝗩𝗘 𝗠𝗢𝗡𝗜𝗧𝗢𝗥𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗖𝗢𝗡𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗨𝗘𝗦 𝗔𝗧 𝗕𝗜𝗔𝗞-𝗡𝗔-𝗕𝗔𝗧𝗢 𝗡𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗔𝗟 𝗣𝗔𝗥𝗞🦇🦂

Since 2022, the Protected Area Management Office (PAMO) has been collaborating with Brown University (USA), Occidental College (USA), and the University of the Philippines – National Institute of Geological Sciences (UP-NIGS) in conducting cave monitoring at Biak-Na-Bato National Park (BNBNP).

Cave drip water, modern cave calcite, speleothems (broken stalagmites), and other physical parameters have been collected from Maningning Cave, Aries Cave, Cuarto-Cuarto Cave, and Columbus Cave. A rainwater collector was also set up at BNBNP to compare meteorological data (precipitation) with the cave hydrology.

This year, the collaborative research continues following the approved extension of cave monitoring at BNBNP (PAMB Management Board Resolution No. 18, S. 2025). These monitoring efforts will help better constrain karst dynamics and will aid in the interpretation of paleoclimate records of the Philippines. Understanding the past climate and the effects of climate change will ultimately lead to better preparedness for future flood and drought phases in the tropics.

Cave monitoring updates are available at:
https://doi.org/10.22498/pages.horiz.3.13
https://sites.brown.edu/ibarra-lab/monitoring-cave-systems-in-the-philippines/

𝐂𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝 𝐖𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐞 𝐃𝐚𝐲 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔! 🌏🌳🌸

𝐂𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝 𝐖𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐞 𝐃𝐚𝐲 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔! 🌏🌳🌸

Every 3rd of March, we celebrate World Wildlife Day to recognize the beauty and importance of wild flora and fauna. This year, under the theme "𝑴𝒆𝒅𝒊𝒄𝒊𝒏𝒂𝒍 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑨𝒓𝒐𝒎𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒄 𝑷𝒍𝒂𝒏𝒕𝒔: 𝑪𝒐𝒏𝒔𝒆𝒓𝒗𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑯𝒆𝒂𝒍𝒕𝒉, 𝑯𝒆𝒓𝒊𝒕𝒂𝒈𝒆 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑳𝒊𝒗𝒆𝒍𝒊𝒉𝒐𝒐𝒅𝒔," we honor the botanical wonders that provide us with more than just scenery—they provide us with life.

Our forests are a living pharmacy and a sanctuary of scents. From traditional healing practices to the essential oils and ingredients used in our daily routines, these wild species are vital to our culture and our economy. This celebration serves as a call to action to reaffirm our commitment to protect and conserve these plant species for future generations.

Let’s raise awareness and work toward a sustainable future where the plants that heal and inspire us can continue to thrive alongside us!

𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗳𝗹𝗼𝗿𝗮 𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗶𝘀 𝗮𝗻 𝗶𝗻𝘃𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗶𝗻 𝗮 𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗲𝗿 𝗳𝘂𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲. 💊☕🌱

𝗘𝗗𝗨𝗖𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗔𝗟 𝗧𝗢𝗨𝗥: 𝗘𝗫𝗣𝗟𝗢𝗥𝗘𝗥𝗦 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗗𝗔𝗬🧑‍🏫🏞️

The Protected Area Management Office (PAMO) of Biak-Na-Bato National Park (BNBNP) would like to extend our sincere gratitude to The World of Outbound Corp. as they conduct an Educational Tour for the 162 students of Senior High School of De La Salle Araneta University on February 5, 2026 with the assistance of local guides from Peoples Organization (PO) – SAMAKABA Association.

It was a pleasure welcoming the students as they explored and learned from one of Bulacan’s most important historical sites, known for its rich biodiversity and beautiful natural scenery. Come and visit Biak-na-Bato National Park and experience its history, nature, and scenic landscapes.

📍The park is open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. We look forward to welcoming you.

🌳𝗔 𝗕𝗜𝗖𝗘𝗡𝗧𝗘𝗡𝗡𝗜𝗔𝗟 𝗘𝗠𝗕𝗥𝗔𝗖𝗘🌿

PAMO staff of BNBNP joined the Tree Hugging Campaign of DENR-FMB as they embraced the Dao Tree, a bicentennial tree found within the national park. The Dao is one of the biggest and largest trees known in BNBNP with 491 centimeters circumference (above buttress) and approximately 43 meters in height and buttress with 8.8 meters high. 🐦🐦‍⬛

Dao (𝘋𝘳𝘢𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘭𝘰𝘯 𝘥𝘢𝘰) is native to the Philippines and listed as a Vulnerable species under DENR Administrative Order No. 2017-11, otherwise known as "Updated National List of Threatened Philippine Plants and their Categories".🍃

In addition, the locals also believed that the bicentennial tree was historically significant, serving as a watchtower of Katipuneros during the Spanish Colonial period.

The activity aims to raise awareness on the significant benefits of hugging a tree to a person's well-being and promoting the love and care for our trees and forests, as well as the environment, as an alternative way of celebrating Valentine's Day.❤️

🌳𝗕𝗡𝗕𝗡𝗣-𝗣𝗔𝗠𝗢 𝗧𝗢𝗚𝗘𝗧𝗛𝗘𝗥 𝗪𝗜𝗧𝗛 𝗦𝗔𝗠𝗔𝗞𝗔𝗕𝗔 𝗔𝗦𝗦𝗢𝗖𝗜𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡 𝗖𝗢𝗡𝗗𝗨𝗖𝗧𝗦 𝗕𝗜𝗢𝗗𝗜𝗩𝗘𝗥𝗦𝗜𝗧𝗬 𝗠𝗢𝗡𝗜𝗧𝗢𝗥𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗦𝗬𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗠🐒🐝

The Protected Area Management Office (PAMO) staff together with the members of People’s Organization (PO) - Samahan ng Mamamayan para sa Kalikasan ng Biak na Bato (SAMAKABA) Association conducted a Biodiversity Monitoring System (BMS) - Transect Walk within the permanent 2-km transect of Biak-Na-Bato National Park (BNBNP) on February 4, 2026.

Transect Walk is somewhat similar to routine patrolling using field diary but transects are permanent demarcated routes. BNBNP has two (2) permanent transects being monitored during dry and wet season. Transect Walk is one of the methods of BMS along with Field Diary, Focus Group Discussion (FGD) and Photodocumentation.

During the Transect Walk, notable flora such as Bogo (𝘎𝘢𝘳𝘶𝘨𝘢 𝘧𝘭𝘰𝘳𝘪𝘣𝘶𝘯𝘥𝘢), Dao (𝘋𝘳𝘢𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘭𝘰𝘯 𝘥𝘢𝘰), Bilukaw/Binukaw (𝘎𝘢𝘳𝘤𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘢 𝘣𝘪𝘯𝘶𝘤𝘢𝘰), Bolong-eta (𝘋𝘪𝘰𝘴𝘱𝘺𝘳𝘰𝘴 𝘱𝘪𝘭𝘰𝘴𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘢), Lanete (𝘞𝘳𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘪𝘢 𝘱𝘶𝘣𝘦𝘴𝘤𝘦𝘯𝘴), Kabuyaw (𝘊𝘪𝘵𝘳𝘶𝘴 𝘩𝘺𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘪𝘹), Tibig (𝘍𝘪𝘤𝘶𝘴 𝘯𝘰𝘵𝘢) and Fauna such as Red Junglefowl (𝘎𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘶𝘴 𝘨𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘶𝘴), Green Racquet-tail (𝘗𝘳𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘪𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘶𝘴 𝘭𝘶𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘯𝘴𝘪𝘴), Rufous-crowned Bee-eater (𝘔𝘦𝘳𝘰𝘱𝘴 𝘢𝘮𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘤𝘢𝘯𝘶𝘴), Philippine long-tailed macaque (𝘔𝘢𝘤𝘢𝘤𝘢 𝘧𝘢𝘴𝘤𝘪𝘤𝘶𝘭𝘢𝘳𝘪𝘴 𝘱𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘪𝘱𝘱𝘦𝘯𝘴𝘪𝘴), Grey-capped Emerald Dove (𝘊𝘩𝘢𝘭𝘤𝘰𝘱𝘩𝘢𝘱𝘴 𝘪𝘯𝘥𝘪𝘤𝘢) and White-eared Brown-Dove (𝘗𝘩𝘢𝘱𝘪𝘵𝘳𝘦𝘳𝘰𝘯 𝘭𝘦𝘶𝘤𝘰𝘵𝘪𝘴) were documented.🌳🐦‍⬛🐞

Threats are also observed such as charcoal making, illegal cutting of trees and Invasive Alien Species (IAS). These observations will be used as a tool in decision-making and management interventions to address these issues.

The Biodiversity Monitoring System (BMS) aims to improve the information available for decision-makers in protected areas by regularly collecting data on natural biological resources and their utilization.🏞️

𝐘𝐎𝐔𝐓𝐇 𝐄𝐍𝐆𝐀𝐆𝐄𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓: 𝐄𝐃𝐔𝐂𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐀𝐋 𝐓𝐎𝐔𝐑 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐎𝐍-𝐓𝐇𝐄-𝐉𝐎𝐁 𝐓𝐑𝐀𝐈𝐍𝐄𝐄𝐒 𝐎𝐅 𝐃𝐄𝐍𝐑-𝐂𝐄𝐍𝐑𝐎 𝐁𝐀𝐋𝐈𝐖𝐀𝐆

The Community Environment and Natural Resources-Baliwag initiated an Educational Tour at Biak-Na-Bato National Park (BNBNP) dated January 29, 2026 as part of the office's Youth Engagement Activity. This was participated by ten (10) interns specifically On-the-Job Trainees from Bulacan State University and Baliwag Polytechnic College, and Work Immersion Students from Sto. Ñino High School.

The activity aims to educate students about the rich biodiversity and historical background of Biak-Na-Bato National Park and to bring them closer to nature.

Through the Protected Area Management Office, students were oriented on the national park's history, management strategies, programs, projects, activities, ecotourism facilities, and biodiversity. Also, the students were guided on the “Biak-Na-Bato Museum: Arkeolohiya sa Kagiliran ng Biak-Na-Bato” an exhibition and representation of the history, archaeology and diversity of the said national park.

The students also witnessed the proper handling, assessment, and release of turned-over wildlife at CENRO Baliwag, namely the Eastern Grass Owl (𝘛𝘺𝘵𝘰 𝘭𝘰𝘯𝘨𝘪𝘮𝘦𝘮𝘣𝘳𝘪𝘴) and Brahminy Kite (𝘏𝘢𝘭𝘪𝘢𝘴𝘵𝘶𝘳 𝘪𝘯𝘥𝘶𝘴).

Moreover, students experienced the park's natural beauty and vibrancy as they toured caves, including Aguinaldo Cave, Pahingahan Cave and Bahay Paniki Cave.

Kalunus-lunos na epekto ng dumaloy na putik at langis sa Balaong River sa bahagi ng Biak-Na-Bato National Park (BNBNP). Nangamatay ang mga isda at iba pang organismong nabubuhay dito.

Ang Balaong River ay tirahan ng mga katutubo at endemikong mga isdang tabang tulad ng Priapium Fish (𝘎𝘶𝘭𝘢𝘱𝘩𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘶𝘴 𝘮𝘪𝘳𝘢𝘣𝘪𝘭𝘪𝘴), Palos o Giant Mottled Eel (𝘈𝘯𝘨𝘶𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘢 𝘮𝘢𝘳𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘢) at Biya o Goby Fish (𝘎𝘭𝘰𝘴𝘴𝘰𝘨𝘰𝘣𝘪𝘰𝘴 𝘴𝘱.), bukod pa sa mga hipon o ulang, talangka, suso, arthropods, at iba pa. Ang ganitong sakuna ay isa sa mga sanhi sa patuloy nilang pagkaubos!

Siguradong apektado rin ang ibang buhay-ilang na umaasa sa mga laman-tubig bilang pagkain tulad ng mga endemikong ibon gaya ng Northern Indigo-banded Kingfisher (𝘊𝘦𝘺𝘹 𝘤𝘺𝘢𝘯𝘰𝘱𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘶𝘴) at Brown-breasted Kingfisher (𝘏𝘢𝘭𝘤𝘺𝘰𝘯 𝘨𝘶𝘭𝘢𝘳𝘪𝘴).

Malaking perwisyo din ito sa mga mamamayan na umaasa sa napakaraming pakinabang ng ilog.

Sa matagal na at paulit-ulit na pangyayaring ito, nararapat lamang na mapatigil ang mga mapinsalang gawain sa kailugan at kabundukan sa kataasang bahagi ng Balaong River.

Ang Priapium Fish (𝘎𝘶𝘭𝘢𝘱𝘩𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘶𝘴 𝘮𝘪𝘳𝘢𝘣𝘪𝘭𝘪𝘴) ay tinuturing na Near Threatened sa ilalim ng The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species samantalang ang Northern Indigo-banded Kingfisher (𝘊𝘦𝘺𝘹 𝘤𝘺𝘢𝘯𝘰𝘱𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘶𝘴) ay Critically Endangered sa ilalim ng DAO 2019-09 o Updated National List of Threatened Philippine Fauna and Their Categories.