NUNUNGAN, Lanao del Norte (PIA)--Seeing the beauty of Mt. Inayawan Range Natural Park and Nunungan Lake, incumbent Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri committed support in the preservation of the town's environment as he also advocates for ecotourism in the area. 

“We have to maintain this area. We must maintain the forest. Atong protektahan ang atong lasang kay mas dako ang income sa ecotourism,” he said during his personal visit in the municipality Friday, January 14.

Zubiri shared that he has been to many spots in the country wherein he deeply learned the drastic impacts of the negligence of the citizens to the environment. 

As such, he firmly reiterated his backing of the environmental protection for the town in his fear that its wonder will go off if not well nurtured.

“I will help develop this as a premier ecotourism spot of Northern Mindanao,” he assured.

Meanwhile, former Senator Loren Legarda likewise conveyed her championing of the same matter, stressing the importance of building resilience or implementing adaptation as she believes people already suffered enough from the brunt of climate impacts which have caused too many lives and damaged our livelihood and natural resources. 

She highlighted that the collaborative effort between and among government agencies, civil society, and citizenry is the most important step towards protecting natural resources and heritage as well as ensuring resilience amid the threats brought by climate change. 

Legarda added that in this era of climate crisis, everyone is called to do more and act much faster than what is already exhibited, thus, the necessity of striving for a sustainable and resilient community which respects biodiversity and corrects the misconception that natural resources are infinite.

“I wanted our LGUs to fully understand the risk and vulnerabilities related to climate change and the consequences of an action in order to fully embrace adaptation and integrate climate action in all aspects of local governance,” she said in her message for the constituents of the municipality of Nunungan. 

With her stand, Legarda urged the public to change their extractive and consumptive practices and become true stewards of the environment to help ensure a safer and more resilient future for all Filipinos. (CRG/PIA-Lanao del Norte)