Siargao islands protected landscapes and seascapes

SIARGAO Magpupungko, Pilar

San Fernando, Del Carmen, SDN

ISLANDS

PROTECTED LANDSCAPES Maribojok, San Benito, SDN San Isidro

AND SEASCAPES Location:

Tuburan, Del Carmen

Northeastern portion of Mindanao under the geographic and political jurisdiction of the province of Surigao del Norte.

It covers nine municipalities (Burgos, Dapa, Del Carmen, General Luna, Pilar, San Isidro, San Benito, Santa Monica and Socorro) and 131 barangays

Pacifico, San Isidro

Total Area Department of Environment and Natural Resources Regional Public Affairs Office Caraga

: 278, 914.131 hectares

Terrestrial Area

: 62,796 hectares

Marine Area

: 216,118 hectares

Bio-physical Features

Legal Basis

Topography

Presidential Proclamation No. 902 “Amending Proclamation No. 1891 dated August 30, 1979, Proclamation No. 2151 dated December 29, 1981 and Proclamation No. 2152 dated December 29, 1981 by declaring the terrestrial, wetland and marine areas of Siargao and its surrounding islets in Northeastern Mindanao, Province of Surigao del Norte as Protected area under the category of protected Landscapes and Seascapes”

The terrain is moderately rolling to steep with highest elevation of 238 meters above sea level. It has three lithologic units, namely: limestone, volcanic and alluvium.

Fauna

 It is habitat of diverse species of birds including Philippine cockatoo (Cacatua haematuropygia). Also found in Siargao is the flying lemur (Cynocephalus volans), Philippine salt-water crocodile, marine turtles and the endangered Philippine tarsier (Tarsius syrichta);  Refuge of five species of marine turtles and dolphins;  106 species of fish identified; and  137 species of mollusks identified

Approved on October 10, 1996.

Protected Landscapes and Seascapes areas of national significance characterized by harmonious interaction of man and land while providing opportunities for public enjoyment through recreation and tourism within the normal lifestyle and economic activity of the areas.

Basing on its dominant features, Siargao Island falls under this category.

Bio-physical features: -

One of the three priority protected areas in the Mindanao Biogeographic Zone because of its biodiversity and unique ecosystem - Belong to Eastern Mindanao Biodiversity Corridor (EMBC) - One of the nine Key Biodiversity Areas in EMBC - Covers 13 habitat types SIPLAS represents completeness of ecosystems Possessed a unique ecosystem comprising the terrestrial, wetland, coastal and marine ecosystem Terrestrial: -

Cultivated areas Grassland Primary Forest Secondary Forest Ultramafic Forest Limestone Forest Beach Forest Cave River and stream Marshes

Marine and coastal ecosystem - Mangrove Forest - Coral Reef - Seagrass Beds

Boardwalk, General Luna

Flora Haven of premium hardwood species – mancono, narra Ecotourism Potentials

 Surfing Capital of the Philippines  One of the Best Ecotourism Destinations of CARAGA Beaches & Islets - bewitching stretch of sugar-fine white beaches and sapphire seas ideal for swimming, snorkeling and island hopping.

Burgos, SDN

Mangroves - Siargao has the largest contiguous mangrove stands in Mindanao covering about 8,600 hectares of almost pure stand of Rhizopora apiculata. It is the habitat of Philippine Salt-water crocodile and other mangrove dependent species of flora & fauna.

Magpupungko Rock Formation & Lagoon (Pilar) Situated in a cove facing the Pacific, and is surrounded by limestone and granite sculptures. During low tide, its pockmarked limestone floor reveals pools of assorted shapes and sizes resembling basin, barrels, tubs and ponds.

Del Carmen Mangrove View Deck

The Sohoton Cove (Socorro) Half submerged mystifying cave navigable only during low tide Surfing Waves of Siargao (Gen. Luna) Popularly known as “Cloud 9” because of its gigantic waves that forms 9 as it rolls on shore General Luna, SDN