NUNUNGAN, Lanao del Norte, July 8 -- The Local Government Unit of the Municipality of Nunungan, in keeping with its advocacy to protect the environment, showed a unified commitment with other stakeholders to push stiff measures to protect the remaining forests in the town.

Nunungan Mayor Marcos Mamay said environmental health education is rapidly becoming a global priority but still receives little attention despite the crucial issue of climate change.

An immersion activity was conducted with the participation of various officials from different government agencies like the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), Mindanao State University (MSU)-Marawi, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Department of Agriculture (DA), Protected Area Management Board (PAMBI) officials, Mt. Inayawan Farmers Association and the Local Government of Nunungan.

The group also conducted tree planting activity at Mount Inayawan Range Natural Park.

Mount Inayawan Range Natural Park is a protected area of forested mountains in Nunungan town.

The park encompasses the mountain range in the landlocked municipality and covers a total area of 3,632.74 hectares (8,976.7 acres) with a buffer zone of 889.04 hectares (2,196.9 acres).

The area was officially designated as a natural park July 30, 2007 through Proclamation No. 1344 signed by President Gloria Arroyo.

It is a critical watershed area and the largest remaining rainforest in Lanao del Norte. (Nunungan LGU/PIA10)