BM Lammawin pushes for Season of Creation ordinance to raise ecological awareness and safeguard endangered species and critical habitats in Kalinga

Tabuk City, Kalinga – Amid rising concerns over worsening environmental damage caused by climate change, which has not spared the Province of Kalinga, Board Member Camilo T. Lammawin is pushing for an ordinance that aims to enhance ecological awareness and strengthen safeguards for endangered species and critical habitats.

The “Season of Creation,” as defined in the proposed ordinance, is a global annual Christian observance from September 1 to October 4 dedicated to prayer, action, and reflection for environmental protection and climate justice.

Although there are no public records showing that other provinces in the country have formally adopted the observance, the region’s strong indigenous culture and deep ties to the land suggest strong potential for participation through church-led and community-led environmental activities.

The proposal, Provincial Ordinance No. 2025-027, “Institutionalizing the Season of Creation in the Province of Kalinga, Promoting Ecological Awareness, and Strengthening the Protection of Endangered Species and Their Habitat,” seeks to establish the Season of Creation in Kalinga to help safeguard the province’s rivers, forests, and threatened wildlife.

According to the ordinance, making this observance official will reinforce conservation efforts—especially as climate change intensifies—requiring local governments to take more decisive action to protect ecosystems and preserve Kalinga’s natural heritage.

It also mandates the creation of the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Council (PENRC), which will oversee program implementation, enforce habitat protection measures, and monitor compliance across municipalities and barangays.

The proposal awaits the final approval of Provincial Governor James S. Edduba.

Some of the major environmental problems faced by the Province of Kalinga include the practice of kaingin, which has converted many forested areas into upland agricultural lands, illegal logging, and other destructive activities. These lead to biodiversity loss and increase the risks of flooding and landslides.

Kalinga is home to several endangered and vulnerable species, including the Luzon pygmy fruit bat found in Balbalasang–Balbalan National Park; the Luzon bushy-tailed cloud rat, another endangered rodent documented in the park; the Philippine warty pig, whose population continues to decline due to habitat loss and hunting; the Philippine brown deer (also known as the Luzon deer); the Whiskered Pitta, a vulnerable bird recorded in Balbalasang–Balbalan; and the Luzon jungle flycatcher, another bird species classified as vulnerable.