The Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm (IPPF) in Puerto Princesa City is gaining international recognition as one of the world’s most important refuges for the endangered Philippine cockatoo, following a recent biodiversity visit led by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF).
Conservation groups and government agencies gathered at the reservation on May 7 for a field visit and knowledge exchange involving WWF delegations from Vietnam and the Philippines, alongside representatives from the Katala Foundation Incorporated (KFI), officials of IPPF, and personnel from the Armed Forces of the Philippines Western Command.
IPPF officials said the reservation continues to play a critical role in wildlife conservation, particularly for the Philippine cockatoo population within the area.
“IPPF continues to gain recognition as the home of the third-most important Philippine Cockatoo population in the world,” the report stated.
Authorities said the area’s biodiversity has supported long-standing partnerships between conservation groups and government agencies aimed at protecting endangered wildlife and preserving natural habitats.
Officials noted that cooperation between IPPF and KFI is sustained through the annual renewal of a Memorandum of Understanding that serves as the framework for joint conservation efforts.
“The agreement serves as a foundation for continued cooperation and assistance in protecting endangered wildlife and preserving the area’s natural habitat,” the report added.
WWF Vietnam’s delegation also conducted a study tour focused on community-based conservation and co-management practices being implemented in Palawan.
“The visit also served as part of a study tour aimed at learning community-based conservation and co-management approaches that contribute to biodiversity conservation efforts,” the report noted.
Participants said the exchange provided insights into governance arrangements involving local government units, site managers, and communities that may help strengthen conservation initiatives in Vietnam.
BuCor Director General Gregorio Pio P. Catapang Jr., through IPPF Superintendent C/Supt. Edgardo F. Mendoza Jr., expressed support for continued partnerships with conservation organizations in protecting Palawan’s wildlife and biodiversity.
