Taklong and Tandog park marks first conservation anniversary

NUEVA VALENCIA, Guimaras — The Taklong and Tandog Group of Islands Natural Park marked its first anniversary as a legislated protected area with community activities promoting marine conservation and island stewardship.

The celebration highlighted the role of local communities, government leaders and environmental advocates in protecting the natural park, also known as TTGINP.

Anniversary activities began July 6 at the Nueva Valencia Municipal Hall.

Mayor Emmanuel Galila and Department of Environment and Natural Resources Western Visayas officer in charge and Regional Executive Director Ramar Niel Pascua led the opening with Guimaras residents.

The ceremony featured the unveiling of a TTGINP logo-making exhibit.

Organizers also introduced Ban-ban the Banagan, or lobster, and Paw-Paw the Pawikan, or turtle, as park mascots representing its flagship species.

The mascots will help promote marine and wildlife conservation in local communities.

Officials held the Protected Area Management Board’s third-quarter regular meeting that afternoon to review the park’s governance and conservation strategies.

Severe weather brought by Typhoon Inday forced organizers to postpone the outdoor activities.

The main island celebration resumed July 17 on Piagau Island in Barangay La Paz, Nueva Valencia.

The program opened with a Eucharistic celebration under the island’s trees.

Protected Area Management Board members then delivered messages before officials formally presented the TTGINP Manual of Operations.

Several activities transformed the island into a venue for environmental education, sports and conservation advocacy.

A Grade 6 student from San Roque Elementary School won the TTGINP Quiz Bowl.

Local anglers participated in the “Sa Pamunit Kita” Sustainable Fishing Activity.

Community members and students tested their knowledge of coastal plants in a mangrove identification contest.

Participants also joined a paddleboard clinic and navigated coastal ecosystems during a mangrove eco-race.

Residents gathered along the shore for beach volleyball and big-ball volleyball matches.

An afternoon ceremony recognized Protected Area Management Board members, field personnel and partner organizations for their work in protecting the park.

The celebration concluded with the Search for Kataw kag Siokoy sang TTGINP 2026.

Representatives from Barangay La Paz won both titles.

Republic Act 12225, signed into law on July 9, 2025, declared the Taklong and Tandog Group of Islands in Nueva Valencia a natural park under the National Integrated Protected Areas System.

The law calls for cooperation among the national government, local governments, private organizations and surrounding communities to conserve the park’s biodiversity and ecosystems.

The anniversary reinforced the role of coastal communities as the natural park’s front-line guardians.