𝐃𝐄𝐍𝐑-𝟏𝟐 𝐂𝐄𝐍𝐑𝐎 𝐌𝐚𝐭𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐦 𝐟𝐚𝐜𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐧𝐨𝐧-𝐨𝐛𝐣𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐚𝐥 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐞𝐱𝐞𝐫𝐜𝐢𝐬𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐅𝐏𝐈𝐂

 𝐌𝐚𝐭𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐦, 𝐂𝐎𝐓𝐀𝐁𝐀𝐓𝐎 - The Community and Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) of Matalam facilitated the signing of the resolution for non-objection and approval with consent in the exercise of Free and Prior Informed Consent (FPIC) process and to execute the agreement in support of the establishment of Mt. Sinaka Critical Habitat for the Philippine Eagle and other threatened wildlife species, recently.

Under Sections 4 and 25 of Republic Act No. 9147, also known as the "Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act," and under DENR Memorandum Circular No. 2007-02, which outlines the guidelines for the establishment and management of critical habitat under the jurisdiction of the DENR, the following guidelines are hereby promulgated.

On October 4, 2024, the Tinonanon Council of Elders Ancestral Domain Management Office, Inc. (TICADMO) of the Municipality of Arakan signed the resolution at 3A Brothers Café, Greenfield, Arakan, Cotabato. Additionally, on October 16, 2024, the Obu-Manuvu Unified Ancestral Domain Tribal Council of Elders/ Leaders (OMUADTCELI) signed the resolution at Purok Ladi-an, Marilog District, Davao City.

Mount Sinaka holds significant cultural and historical importance for the IP Communities. encompassing the mountain and its adjacent areas within their ancestral domain. It plays a pivotal role in preserving their cultural traditions, spiritual beliefs, and sustenance. The local communities rely on its resources for sustenance, including food, water, and traditional medicine.

Additionally, on October 14, 2024, the Sangguniang Bayan of Arakan passed Resolution No. 24-11-539 titled "A Resolution Declaring Mt. Sinaka as Critical Habitat for the Philippine Eagle and Other Flora and Fauna" at the David B. Figura, Sr. Session Hall.

Mount Sinaka is the sanctuary of endangered species, notably the critically endangered Philippine eagle, and represents one of the final frontiers of Arakan. The remaining forest cover, comprising approximately 1,000 hectares, serves as a vital source of potable water for the inhabitants of Arakan and Davao.

As the Philippine Eagle and other wildlife species depend on Mount Sinaka for their habitat, there is a chance to empower and involve the local community in the conservation efforts. This engagement can take the form of collaborative endeavors with the Department and local government organizations, which will promote a sense of shared accountability and care for the preservation of the area's threatened species. Furthermore, the declaration of Mount Sinaka as a critical habitat offers an opportunity to allocate sufficient funding and resources for ongoing development and conservation initiatives. Such funding is necessary for carrying out research, putting conservation plans into action, and creating sustainable practices that are essential to the survival of endangered species in the area.