Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) key officials headed by Regional Executive Director (RED) Henry A. Adornado join the Sinebegan Ritual of Portulin Talaandig Tribal Association (PTTA), Inc. for Mt. Kalatungan Range Natural Park (MKaRNP) on March 20, 2023 in Barangay Portulin, Pangantucan, Bukidnon.
RED Adornado expressed his gratitude to the indigenous communities for being the frontline in the protection and conservation of MKaRNP. He assured that the DENR X will continue support and sustain the efforts in the partnerships established through the environmental programs and projects implemented in their area.
President of PTTA, Inc. Datu Bagusayana Johnny Guina encouraged the members to continue help in the protection and conservation of MKaRNP.
Provincial Environment and Natural Resources (PENR) Officer Vergilino P. Alima of PENRO Bukidnon, Protected Area Superintendent Ner Doydoy of MKaRNP were also present during the activity.
The “Sinebegan” is a cultural practice of the Indigenous Peoples where they express their gratitude and respect to the tree of life "Balete" and the forests in MKaRNP. This is an annual event being performed by the Talaandig Indigenous Cultural Community every 20th of March in Barangay Portulin, Pangantucan, Bukidnon.
Mt. Kalatungan Range Natural Park is the fifth highest mountain in the Philippines with an elevation of 2,287 meters above sea level. It is located in the province of Bukidnon with a total area of 22,225 hectares covering portions of Valencia City and the municipalities of Maramag, Talakag, and Pangantucan. The protected area is rich in biodiversity and serves as habitat to rare and endemic wildlife which includes the critically-endangered Philippine Eagle (Pithecophaga jefferyi)—the national bird of the Philippines. It is also a significant watershed area supporting downstream areas which include Cagayan de Oro City.
