This paper presents the proposed establishment of the Mount Apo Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center (MAWRCC) as a strategic response to the growing threats against biodiversity in the Mount Apo Natural Park (MANP). Using policy review, site visits, stakeholder consultations, and feasibility inputs from academic and government institutions, the study identifies human encroachment, habitat loss, and weak enforcement as critical challenges to ecological integrity in the region.
Policy findings support the need to institutionalize the MAWRCC to address wildlife injuries, habitat disruption, and declining populations of endemic species such as the Philippine Eagle and Mindanao warty pig. It recommends the designation of high-risk areas within MANP for enhanced monitoring, and the integration of anti-poaching ordinances, wildlife rehabilitation, and ecotourism frameworks aligned with sustainable land use practices.
The proposed facility, backed by House Bill 7430 and Senate Bill 2227, aims to strengthen the legal and ecological protection mechanisms for MANP, provide a structured platform for community engagement, and promote science-based conservation. Collaborative activities with the National Research Council of the Philippines, UPLB, and Indigenous Cultural Communities (ICCs) further reinforce the relevance and local ownership of the initiative.
The establishment of MAWRCC is projected to improve biodiversity protection, support climate resilience efforts, and promote ecotourism as an alternative livelihood source for local communities. It is a critical step toward preserving Mindanao’s ecological heritage and ensuring intergenerational sustainability of its rich flora and fauna.