The University of the Philippines Visayas (UPV), represented by Chancellor Clement Camposano, signed a multi-partite memorandum of agreement (MOA) for the establishment of a Bird Watching Area in the Aningalan Experimental Forest, San Remigio town, Antique, in May 2026.
UPV signed the MOA with the Antique Provincial Government, San Remigio Local Government Unit, Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), University of Antique, Haribon Foundation for the Conservation of Natural Resources, Inc., Hayahay sa Ambon, Inc., and DENR-Ecosystems Research and Development Bureau.
The 101-hectare Aningalan Experimental Forest is duly recognized as a biodiversity-rich forest area that serves as habitat to endemic and migratory bird species and provides significant ecological, cultural, and socio-economic benefits to the surrounding communities.
The parties mutually agree to establish, develop, and sustain a Bird Watching Area within the Aningalan Experimental Forest in San Remigio, Antique, consistent with biodiversity conservation, sustainable ecotourism, and local development objectives.
Based on the MOA, UPV commits to conducting baseline studies and surveys on avifauna, flora, and habitat conditions in Aningalan to provide scientific data for the establishment and management of the Bird Watching Area.
UPV is also tasked with identifying bird species, including threatened, endemic, and migratory species, and developing species profiles to support conservation and ecotourism.
Further, UPV will provide technical guidance, conduct training, and collaborate with various sectors for environmental conservation practices, management, and awareness programs.
Written by Carlson Alelis, IPO
Photos by David Quimpo, Haribon Foundation
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