List of protected areas of the Philippines

This is a list of protected areas of the Philippines administered by the Department of

Environment and Natural Resources' Biodiversity Management Bureau under the National
Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS) Act of 1992. As of 2013, there are 240 protected
areas in the Philippines covering a total area of 54,500 square kilometres (21,000 sq mi) – 14.2%
of the Philippines' total area
Classification
Protected areas in the Philippines encompass 40,700 square kilometres (15,700 sq mi) of
terrestrial areas and 13,800 square kilometres (5,300 sq mi) of marine areas.[1] They are managed
according to the following classifications described in Section 4 of the National Integrated
Protected Areas System Act of 1992 (NIPAS Act).

National Parks
National parks refer to forest reservations essentially of natural wilderness character which
have been withdrawn from settlement, occupancy or any form of exploitation except in
conformity with approved management plan and set aside as such exclusively to conserve the
area or preserve the scenery, the natural and historic objects, wild animals and plants therein
and to provide enjoyment of these features in such areas.

In 2012, there were 240 protected areas in the Philippines, of which 35 have been classified as
National Parks.[2] By June 22, 2018, the number of designated national parks in the country has
increased to 94.[3]

Name Area Established Location

Aurora Memorial National Park 5,676.00 ha 1937  Aurora
(14,025.7 acres)  Nueva Ecija

Balbalasang-Balbalan National 1,338.00 ha 1972 Kalinga

Park (3,306.3 acres)
Bangan Hill National Park 13.90 ha 1995 Nueva Vizcaya
(34.3 acres)
Bataan National Park 23,688.00 ha 1945 Bataan
(58,534.3 acres)
Biak-na-Bato National Park 2,117.00 ha 1937 Bulacan
(5,231.2 acres)
Bulabog Putian National Park 854.33 ha 1961 Iloilo
(2,111.1 acres)
Caramoan National Park 347.00 ha 1938 Camarines Sur
(857.5 acres)
Cassamata Hill National Park 57.00 ha 1974 Abra
(140.9 acres)
Fuyot Springs National Park 819.00 ha 1938 Isabela
(2,023.8 acres)
Guadalupe Mabugnao Mainit Hot 57.50 ha 1972 Cebu
Spring National Park (142.1 acres)
Hundred Islands National Park 1,676.30 ha 1940 Pangasinan
(4,142.2 acres)
Kuapnit Balinsasayao National 364.00 ha 1937 Leyte
Park (899.5 acres)
Lake Butig National Park 68.00 ha 1965 Lanao del Sur
(168.0 acres)
Lake Dapao National Park 1,500.00 ha 1965 Lanao del Sur
(3,706.6 acres)
Libmanan Caves National Park 19.40 ha 1934 Camarines Sur
(47.9 acres)
Luneta National Park 58 ha 1955 Metro Manila
(140 acres)
MacArthur Landing Memorial 6.78 ha 1977 Leyte
National Park (16.8 acres)
Mado Hot Spring National Park 48.00 ha 1939 Cotabato
(118.6 acres)
Minalungao National Park 2,018.00 ha 1967 Nueva Ecija
(4,986.6 acres)
Mount Arayat National Park 3,715.23 ha 1933 Pampanga
(9,180.5 acres)
Mount Dajo National Park 213.35 ha 1938 Sulu
(527.2 acres)
Mount Data National Park 5,512.00 ha 1936  Benguet
(13,620.4 acres)  Mountain Province

Mounts Iglit–Baco National Park 75,455.00 ha 1969 Mindoro Occidental

(186,453.4 acres)
Mount Pulag National Park 11,550.00 ha 1987  Benguet
(28,540.7 acres)  Ifugao
 Nueva Vizcaya

Naujan Lake National Park 21,655.00 ha 1956 Mindoro Oriental

(53,510.7 acres)
Northern Luzon Heroes Hill 1,316.00 ha 1963 Ilocos Sur
National Park (3,251.9 acres)
Olongapo Naval Base Perimeter 9.04 ha 1968 Zambales
National Park (22.3 acres)
Pagsanjan Gorge National Park 152.64 ha 1939 Laguna
(377.2 acres)
Pantuwaraya Lake National Park 20.00 ha 1965 Lanao del Sur
(49.4 acres)
Paoay Lake National Park 340.00 ha 1969 Ilocos Norte
(840.2 acres)
Puerto Princesa Subterranean 22,202.00 ha 1999 Palawan
River National Park (54,862.3 acres)
Quezon Memorial National Park 22.70 ha 1975 Metro Manila
(56.1 acres)
Rungkunan National Park undetermined 1965 Lanao del Sur
Sacred Mountain National Park 94.00 ha 1965 Lanao del Sur
(232.3 acres)
Salikata National Park undetermined 1965 Lanao del Sur
Natural Parks
Natural parks are relatively large areas not materially altered by human activity where
extractive resource uses are not allowed and maintained to protect outstanding natural and
scenic areas of national or international significance for scientific, educational and recreational
use.

Name Area Established Location

Apo Reef 15,792.00 ha 1996 Occidental Mindoro
(39,022.9 acres)
Balinsasayao Twin 8,016.05 ha 2000 Negros Oriental
Lakes (19,808.1 acres)
Bicol 5,201.00 ha 2000  Camarines
(12,852.0 acres) Norte
 Camarines Sur

Bongsanglay 244.72 ha 2000 Masbate

(604.7 acres)
Bulusan Volcano 3,672.00 ha 2000 Sorsogon
(9,073.7 acres)
Kalbario-Patapat 3,800.00 ha 2007 Ilocos Norte
(9,390.0 acres)
Lake Danao 2,193.00 ha 1998 Leyte
(5,419.0 acres)
Mahagnao Volcano 635.00 ha 1998 Leyte
(1,569.1 acres)
Mayon Volcano 5,775.70 ha 2000 Albay
(14,272.1 acres)
Mount Apo 54,974.87 ha 1936  Davao del Sur
(135,845.9 acres)  Cotabato

Mount Balatukan 8,423.00 ha 2007 Misamis Oriental

Range (20,813.7 acres)
Mount Guiting- 15,265.48 ha 1996 Romblon
Guiting (37,721.8 acres)
Mount Inayawan 3,632.74 ha 2007 Lanao del Norte
Range (8,976.7 acres)
 Name Area Established Location
Mount Isarog 10,112.35 ha 2002 Camarines Sur
(24,988.2 acres)
Mount Kalatungan 21,247.73 ha 2000 Bukidnon
Range (52,504.3 acres)
Mount Kanlaon 24,388.00 ha 1997  Negros
(60,264.1 acres) Occidental
 Negros Oriental

Mount Kitanglad 31,235.19 ha 1996 Bukidnon

Range (77,183.8 acres)
Mount Malindang 34,694.00 ha 2002 Misamis Occidental
(85,730.7 acres)
Northern Negros 80,454.50 ha 2002 Negros Occidental
(198,807.4 acres)
Northern Sierra 359,486.00 ha 1997 Isabela
Madre (888,309.3 acres)
Northwest Panay 12,009.29 ha 2002  Aklan
Peninsula (29,675.6 acres)  Antique

Pasonanca 12,107.00 ha 1999 Zamboanga del Sur

(29,917.0 acres)
Samar Island 333,300.00 ha 2003 Eastern Visayas
(823,602.2 acres)
Sibalom 5,511.47 ha 2000 Antique
(13,619.1 acres)
Tubbataha Reef 97,030.00 ha 2010 Palawan
(239,766.4 acres)
Natural Monuments
A natural monument is a relatively small area focused on protection of small features to protect
or preserve nationally significant natural features on account of their special interest or unique
characteristics.

Name Area Established Location

Bessang Pass 693.32 ha 2000 Ilocos Sur
(1,713.2 acres)
Chocolate Hills 14,145.00 ha 1997 Bohol
(34,953.1 acres)
Salinas 6,675.56 ha 2000 Nueva Vizcaya
(16,495.7 acres)
Timpoong and Hibok- 2,227.62 ha 2004 Camiguin
Hibok (5,504.6 acres)

Protected Landscape
Protected landscapes/seascapes are areas of national significance which are characterized by
the harmonious interaction of man and land while providing opportunities for public enjoyment
through recreation and tourism within the normal lifestyle and economic activity of these areas.

Name Area Established Location

Aliwagwag 10,491.33 ha 2011  Davao
(25,924.6 acres) Oriental
 Compostela
Valley

Amro River 6,471.08 ha 2000 Aurora

(15,990.4 acres)
Baganga 114.88 ha 2000 Davao Oriental
(283.9 acres)
Bigbiga 135.71 ha 2000 Ilocos Sur
(335.3 acres)
Buenavista 284.27 ha 2000 Quezon
(702.4 acres)
Calbayog Pan-as– 7,832.00 ha 1998 Samar
Hayiban (19,353.3 acres)
 Name Area Established Location
Casecnan 88,846.80 ha 2000  Cagayan
(219,545.2 acres) Valley
 Aurora

Central Cebu 29,062.00 ha 2003 Cebu

(71,813.8 acres)
Dinadiawan River 3,371.33 ha 2000 Aurora
(8,330.7 acres)
Hinulugang Taktak 3.20 ha 2000 Rizal
(7.9 acres)
José Rizal Memorial 439.00 ha 2000 Zamboanga del Norte
(1,084.8 acres)
Libunao 46.70 ha 2000 Ilocos Sur
(115.4 acres)
Lidlidda 1,157.44 ha 2000 Ilocos Sur
(2,860.1 acres)
Magapit 3,403.62 ha 2000 Cagayan
(8,410.5 acres)
Mainit Hot Springs 1,374.00 ha 2000 Compostela Valley
(3,395.2 acres)
Manleluag Spring 1,935.17 ha 2004 Pangasinan
(4,781.9 acres)
Mati 914.26 ha 2005 Davao Oriental
(2,259.2 acres)
Maulawin Spring 149.01 ha 2000 Quezon
(368.2 acres)
Mimbilisan 66.00 ha 1999 Misamis Oriental
(163.1 acres)
Mounts Banahaw– 10,900.59 ha 2009  Quezon
San Cristobal (26,935.9 acres)  Laguna

Mount 120,457.00 ha 2009 Palawan

Mantalingajan (297,655.7 acres)
Mount Matutum 15,600.00 ha 1995 South Cotabato
(38,548.4 acres)
 Name Area Established Location
Mounts Palay- 3,973.13 ha 2007  Cavite
Palay–Mataas-na- (9,817.8 acres)  Batangas
Gulod
Mount Timolan 1,994.80 ha 2000 Zamboanga del Sur
(4,929.3 acres)
Pamitinan 600.00 ha 1996 Rizal
(1,482.6 acres)
Quezon 938.00 ha 2003 Quezon
(2,317.8 acres)
Quirino 164,364.46 ha 2005 Quirino
(406,153.4 acres)
Rajah Sikatuna 10,452.60 ha 2000 Bohol
(25,828.9 acres)
Roosevelt 786.04 ha 2000 Bataan
(1,942.3 acres)
Santa Lucia 174.16 ha 2000 Ilocos Sur
(430.4 acres)
Simbahan-Talagas 2,266.49 ha 2000 Aurora
(5,600.6 acres)
Taal Volcano 62,292.14 ha 1996 Batangas
(153,927.2 acres)
Talaytay 3,526.29 ha 2000 Aurora
(8,713.7 acres)
Upper Marikina 26,125.64 ha 2011 Rizal
River Basin (64,557.9 acres)
Protected Landscape and Seascape

Name Area Established Location

Agoo–Damortis 10,513.30 ha 2000 La Union
(25,978.9 acres)
Alburquerque-Loay- 1,164.16 ha 1999 Bohol
Loboc (2,876.7 acres)
Aliguay Island 1,191.89 ha 1999 Zamboanga del Norte
(2,945.2 acres)
Apo Island 691.45 ha 1994 Negros Oriental
(1,708.6 acres)
Baliangao 295.00 ha 2000 Misamis Occidental
(729.0 acres)
Batanes 213,578.00 ha 1994 Batanes
(527,762.7 acres)
Biri Larosa 33,492.00 ha 2000 Northern Samar
(82,760.5 acres)
Cuatro Islas 12,500.00 ha 2000 Leyte
(30,888.2 acres)
Dumanquilas Bay 25,948.00 ha 1999 Zamboanga del Sur
(64,118.9 acres)
Great and Little 1,877.00 ha 2000 Zamboanga del Sur
Santa Cruz Islands (4,638.2 acres)
Guiuan 60,448.00 ha 1994 Eastern Samar
(149,370.3 acres)
Initao–Libertad 1,300.78 ha 2002 Misamis Oriental
(3,214.3 acres)
Mabini 6,106.00 ha 2000 Compostela Valley
(15,088.3 acres)
Malabungot 120.62 ha 2000 Camarines Sur
(298.1 acres)
Malampaya Sound 200,115.00 ha 2000 Palawan
(494,494.9 acres)
Murcielagos Island 151.00 ha 2000 Zamboanga del Norte
(373.1 acres)
 Name Area Established Location
Peñablanca 118,781.58 ha 2003 Cagayan
(293,515.7 acres)
Pujada Bay 21,200.00 ha 1994 Davao Oriental
(52,386.3 acres)
Selinog Island 1,294.35 ha 2000 Zamboanga del Norte
(3,198.4 acres)
Siargao Island 278,914.13 ha 1996 Surigao del Norte
(689,211.8 acres)
Talibon Islands 6,456.87 ha 1999 Bohol
(15,955.3 acres)

Protected Seascape

Name Area Established Location

Panglao Island 385.67 ha 2003 Bohol
(953.0 acres)
Sarangani Bay 215,950.00 ha 1996 Sarangani
(533,624.1 acres)
Tañon Strait 450.00 ha 1998  Cebu
(1,112.0 acres)  Negros
Oriental
Game Refuge and Bird Sanctuaries
Strict nature reserve is an area possessing some outstanding ecosystem, features and/or species
of flora and fauna of national scientific importance maintained to protect nature and maintain
processes in an undisturbed state in order to have ecologically representative examples of the
natural environment available for scientific study, environmental monitoring, education, and for
the maintenance of genetic resources in a dynamic and evolutionary state.

Name Area Established Location

Calauit Safari Park 3,400.00 ha 1976 Palawan
(8,401.6 acres)
Calavite and FB 121,983.81 ha 1920 Occidental Mindoro
Harrison (301,428.6 acres)
Lake Buluan 6,300.00 ha 2006 Cotabato
(15,567.6 acres)
Lake Malimanga 12.35 ha 1980 Zambales
(30.5 acres)
Olango Island 920.00 ha 1992 Cebu
(2,273.4 acres)
Palawan 761,416.00 ha 1967 Palawan
(1,881,499.9 acres)

Resource Reserves
Resource reserve is an extensive and relatively isolated and uninhabited area normally with
difficult access designated as such to protect natural resources of the area for future use and
prevent or contain development activities that could affect the resource pending the
establishment of objectives which are based upon appropriate knowledge and planning.

Name Area Established Location

Siocon 793.74 ha 1999 Zamboanga del Norte
(1,961.4 acres)
Upper Agno River 77,561.00 ha 2000  Cordillera
Basin (191,657.4 acres)  Nueva Vizcaya
Managed Resource Protected Areas
Name Area Established Location
El Nido Managed Resource Protected Area 89,134.76 ha 1998 Palawan
(220,256.8 acres)

Marine Reserves

Name Area Established Location

Masinloc and Oyon 7,568.00 ha 1993 Zambales
Bay (18,700.9 acres)
Palaui Island 7,415.48 ha 1994 Cagayan
(18,324.1 acres)
Sagay 32,000.00 ha 2001 Negros Occidental
(79,073.7 acres)
Taklong Island 1,143.45 ha 1990 Guimaras
(2,825.5 acres)

Watershed Forest Reserves

Name Area Established Location

Aklan River 23,185.00 ha 1990 Aklan
(57,291.4 acres)
Alabat 688.00 ha 1987 Quezon
(1,700.1 acres)
Alijawan-Cansuhay- 3,630.00 ha 1992 Bohol
Anibongan River (8,969.9 acres)
Allah Valley 92,450.00 ha 1985 South Cotabato
(228,448.9 acres)
Angat Watershed 6,600.00 ha 1968 Bulacan
(16,309.0 acres)
Aurora 430.00 ha 1936 Aurora
(1,062.6 acres)
 Name Area Established Location
Bawa 8,955.00 ha 1987 Cagayan
(22,128.3 acres)
Binahaan River 465.00 ha 1991 Quezon
(1,149.0 acres)
Calabgan 4,803.00 ha 1992 Aurora
(11,868.5 acres)
Calatrava-San 2,670.00 ha 1982 Romblon
Andres-San Agustin (6,597.7 acres)
Calauag 328.00 ha 1939 Quezon
(810.5 acres)
Capalonga 752.00 ha 1966 Camarines Norte
(1,858.2 acres)
Catanduanes 26,010.00 ha 1987 Catanduanes
(64,272.1 acres)
Dahican 44.00 ha 1933 Camarines Norte
(108.7 acres)
Dalanas River 8,558.00 ha 1990 Antique
(21,147.3 acres)
Dibalo-Pingit-Zabali- 4,528.00 ha 1992 Aurora
Malayat (11,188.9 acres)
Dipaculao 1,786.00 ha 1987 Aurora
(4,413.3 acres)
Doña Remedios- 20,760.00 ha 1988  Bulacan
General Tinio (51,299.1 acres)  Nueva Ecija

Dupax 424.80 ha 1934 Nueva Vizcaya

(1,049.7 acres)
Ilocos Norte Metro 2,815.00 ha 1934 Ilocos Norte
(6,956.0 acres)
Ilog-Hilabangan 10,211.00 ha 1990 Negros Occidental
(25,231.9 acres)
Infanta 384.00 ha 1967 Quezon
(948.9 acres)
Jalaur River 9,228.00 ha 1990 Iloilo
(22,802.9 acres)
 Name Area Established Location
Kabankalan 432.00 ha 1991 Negros Occidental
(1,067.5 acres)
Lake Lanao 180,460.00 ha 1992 Lanao del Sur
(445,926.4 acres)
Libungan 52,820.00 ha 1990 Cotabato
(130,521.1 acres)
Loboc River 19,410.00 ha 1953 Bohol
(47,963.2 acres)
Lopez 418.00 ha 1940 Quezon
(1,032.9 acres)
Lower Agno 39,304.00 ha 1983 Benguet
(97,122.3 acres)
Maasin 6,150.00 ha 1923 Iloilo
(15,197.0 acres)
Mahugunao 136.00 ha 1932 Misamis Oriental
(336.1 acres)
Malagos 235.00 ha 1933 Davao del Sur
(580.7 acres)
Marcos Highway 6,105.00 ha 1978 Benguet
(15,085.8 acres)
Mariveles (Palanas) 325.00 ha 1919 Bataan
(803.1 acres)
Mulanay 26.00 ha 1938 Quezon
(64.2 acres)
Naguilian 90.00 ha 1936 La Union
(222.4 acres)
Olongapo (Palanas) 6,335.00 ha 1987 Zambales
(15,654.1 acres)
Palawan 4,776.00 ha 1982 Palawan
(11,801.8 acres)
Palompon 2,392.00 ha 1988 Leyte
(5,910.8 acres)
Panay River 4,350.00 ha 1990 Capiz
(10,749.1 acres)
 Name Area Established Location
Pantabangan– 84,500.00 ha 1969 Nueva Ecija
Carranglan (208,804.0 acres)
Watershed
Polillo 130.00 ha 1966 Quezon
(321.2 acres)
Santa 25.00 ha 1935 Ilocos Sur
(61.8 acres)
South Upi 1,894.20 ha 1987 Maguindanao
(4,680.7 acres)
Talavera 37,156.00 ha 1938  Nueva Ecija
(91,814.5 acres)  Nueva Vizcaya

Tanap 41.00 ha 1971 Ilocos Norte

(101.3 acres)
Tibiang- 280.00 ha 1938 Quezon
Damagandong (691.9 acres)
Torrijos 105.00 ha 1932 Marinduque
(259.5 acres)
Tumauini 17,670.00 ha 1994 Isabela
(43,663.5 acres)
Wangag 6,992.00 ha 1987 Cagayan
(17,277.6 acres)
Natural Biotic Areas
Natural biotic area is an area set aside to allow the way of life of societies living in harmony
with the environment to adapt to modem technology at their pace.

Name Area Established Location

Abasig-Matogdon- 5,420.12 ha 2000 Camarines Norte
Mananap (13,393.4 acres)
Basilan 4,497.00 ha 2000 Basilan
(11,112.3 acres)
Buug 1,095.00 ha 1998 Zamboanga del Sur
(2,705.8 acres)
Lagonoy 444.60 ha 2000 Camarines Sur
(1,098.6 acres)

Wildlife Sanctuaries
Wildlife sanctuary comprises an area which assures the natural conditions necessary to protect
nationally significant species, groups of species, biotic communities or physical features of the
environment where these may require specific human manipulation for the perpetuation.

Name Area Established Location

Agusan Marsh 14,835.99 ha 1996 Agusan del Sur
(36,660.5 acres)
Chico Island 7.77 ha 2000 Masbate
(19.2 acres)
Marinduque 8,827.96 ha 2004 Marinduque
(21,814.4 acres)
Mount Calavite 18,016.19 ha 2000 Occidental Mindoro
(44,519.0 acres)
Mount Hamiguitan 6,834.00 ha 2004 Davao Oriental
Range (16,887.2 acres)
Naro Island 109.98 ha 2000 Masbate
(271.8 acres)
Rasa Island 1,983.00 ha 2006 Palawan
(4,900.1 acres)
Turtle Islands 242,967.00 ha 1999 Tawi-Tawi
(600,384.5 acres)
Wilderness Areas

Name Area Established Location

Alibijaban 430.00 ha 1981 Quezon
(1,062.6 acres)
Awasan Bay Islands 1981 Surigao del Norte
Bantayan Island 1981 Cebu
Basot-Quinalang- 185.38 ha 1981 Camarines Sur
Malabungot Islands (458.1 acres)
Caniago Strait 210.00 ha 1981 Bohol
Islands (518.9 acres)
Cebu Strait Islands 34.00 ha 1981 Bohol
(84.0 acres)
Dampalit Island 1981 Masbate
Guinauyan-Naro- 23.25 ha 1981 Masbate
Chico-Pobre Islands (57.5 acres)
Isabela 1,985.00 ha 1987 Isabela
Monte Alto Timber (4,905.0 acres)
Resource Corp.
Majaba-Napayuan 18.00 ha 1981 Masbate
Islands (44.5 acres)
Panag Bay Islands 1981 Surigao del Norte
Rasa Island 1981 Surigao del Norte

Biosphere reserves of the Philippines

Biosphere reserves are areas comprising terrestrial, marine and coastal ecosystems. The
biosphere reserve title is handed over by UNESCO. Each reserve promotes solutions reconciling
the conservation of biodiversity with its sustainable use. Biosphere reserves are ‘Science for
Sustainability support sites’ – special places for testing interdisciplinary approaches to
understanding and managing changes and interactions between social and ecological systems,
including conflict prevention and management of biodiversity. Biosphere reserves are nominated
by national governments and remain under the sovereign jurisdiction of the states where they are
located. Their status is internationally recognized.[1
 Biosphere Year Periodic
Description
Reserve Designated Review
The Albay Biosphere Reserve is located at the
southern end of the Luzon Island of the
Philippines, and covers some 250,000 hectares.
The terrestrial elevation of the site culminates at
2,462 metres, while its marine part reaches a
depth of 223 below sea level. The site’s high
conservation value is constituted, notably, by
Albay 182 terrestrial plant species, 46 of which are
Biosphere 2016 endemic. Its marine and coastal ecosystems
Reserve comprise 12 species of mangrove, 40 species of
seaweed or macro-algae, and 10 species of sea
grass. Five of the world’s seven species of
marine turtles are also found in Albay.
Agriculture is the main source of income in the
area. The biosphere reserve is home to Mayon
Volcano, which is listed in the tentative list for
UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
The Palawan Biosphere Reserve is a cluster of
islands composed of one long main island and
smaller groups of islands around it. The
1,150,800 hectares of the biosphere reserve
include the entire Province of Palawan Island,
which is the westernmost province of the
Philippines. The biosphere reserve is home to
Palawan
the Puerto-Princesa Subterranean River
Biosphere 1990 2012
National Park and the Tubattaha Reefs Natural
Reserve
Park, both are declared UNESCO World
Heritage Sites. The reserve is also home to the
El Nido-Taytay Managed Reserve, Mount
Mantalangajan National Park, Coron Natural
Biotic Area, and the Palawan Petrographs, all of
which are in the Tentative List for UNESCO
World Heritage Sites.
Puerto Galera Biosphere Reserve is situated on
Mindoro Island, about 120 km south of Manila.
Puerto Galera Its 23,200 hectares make up the northern tip of
Biosphere 1977 2014 Mindoro Island and are bounded to the north by
Reserve the Verde Island Passage, to the west by the
Camarong River and to the east by the
municipality of San Teodoro.

Ecological frontiers like Eastern Mindanao, Eastern Visayas, Sibuyan island, Western Panay, the
Sierra Madre, Southern Mindanao, the Sulu Archipelago, and the Cordilleras are theoretically
capable of standing as UNESCO Biosphere Reserves in the future, along with specific Key
Biodiversity Areas (KBAs) designated by Haribon Foundation and the Department of
Environment and Natural Resources (Philippines). In comparison to the 3 biosphere reserve of the
Philippines, Indonesia has 11 biosphere reserves, China has 33, India has 10, Iran has 11, Japan
has 9, Kazakhstan has 8, South Korea has 5, Sri Lanka has 4, and Vietnam has 9. The Philippines
is one of the 18 ecological hotpot countries of the world, containing more than 228 Key
Biodiversity Areas (KBAs).
Albay is the latest to be added to UNESCO's World Network of Biosphere Reserves in 2016. The
government plans to nominate reserves in the Philippines annually once its committee membership
ends.