BACOLOD CITY, Negros Occidental, Philippines — The Northern Negros Natural Park (NNNP) celebrated its 17th anniversary yesterday 14 August 2022 at the Victorias City Gawahon Eco Park, highlighting nature’s importance to the community from food security, domestic use, and livelihood.
This year’s theme, “Healthy and Green at 17”, aims to recognize the collective efforts done by the local government units, Department of Environment and Natural Resources( DENR) and the community in conserving and protecting the NNNP’s rich biodiversity.
Victorias City hosts the first ever activity of NNNP in 17 years.
Victorias City Mayor Javi Benitez said environmental sustainability and economic development should co-exist.
Benitez said they have asked the councilors to create a Gawahon Development Authority that will run the eco-park.
The GDA can draw out guidelines on how to run the park but these too are still subject to the approval of the Protected Area Management Board.
Northern Negros is considered as the province’s largest watershed and a conservation site with around 17 Local Government Unit dependent on it.
The NNNP was established year 2005 when then President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo proclaimed it as a protected area.
This two day activity also allowed every LGU comprising Northern Negros to display their booth in Gawahon for selling.
