𝑲𝒂𝒕𝒖𝒏𝒈𝒈𝒂𝒏 𝑰𝒕 𝑰𝒃𝒂𝒋𝒂𝒚: Home of centuries-old and biggest Apiapi or Bungalon

Ibajay, Aklan- As part of the International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem, celebrated annually on July 26th, the Regional Strategic Communication and Initiatives Group of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Region VI headed by Chief, Artemio Salvador C. Colacion explores the Ibajay Mangrove Forest, also known as Katunggan It Ibajay (KII) situated at Bugtong-bato and Naisud, Ibajay, Aklan, together with EMS II Cecile Poblador from PENRO Aklan and Information Officer Grace Ann D. De La Cruz of RSCIG 6.

The KII stands as one of the backbones of mangrove ecotourism in Aklan province, providing livelihood to nearby barangays of Bugtong Bato and Naisud and is managed by two organizations – the Bugtongbato Fisherfolk Association and Naisud Mangrove and Aquatic Organization.

Inside this 44-hectare mangrove forest, you can find 28 out of the 35 mangrove species in the Philippines making it one of the country’s most diverse mangrove forests. One of the main attractions in KII is the ‘Avatar Tree,’ which stands among many centuries-old mangroves within the park. KII has also become a sanctuary for various birds and other wildlife, including mangrove crabs and mud lobsters, which serve as engineers of the mangroves due to their continuous construction of tall mounds.

In a recent improvement of KII, dated August 5, 2024, the DENR funded the construction of a viewing deck with a floor area of 132.00 sq.m at the center of the park, situated beneath the centuries-old mangroves, along with a foot walk measuring 50.00 linear meters.

Mangroves are not just trees; they are lifelines for coastal communities, providing food, shelter, and protection. Let’s renew our commitment to preserving mangroves not only this international day for the conservation of mangrove ecosystem but to every day we got to enjoy it’s the benefits.