Oriental Mindoro Governor Humerlito “Bonz” Dolor is taking decisive action to protect Mt. Halcon and its watershed systems from potential mining operations following a recent Supreme Court decision on mining moratorium in neighboring Occidental Mindoro.

In a formal request dated May 16, 2025, Dolor asked the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (Provincial Board) to support legislation declaring Mt. Halcon as a National Park and the Aglubang and Ibulo Rivers as Watershed Reservations under the National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS).

“The declaration of Mt. Halcon as a National Park and Aglubang-Ibulo as Watershed Conservation will serve as protection so they will not become targets of any type of mining,” Dolor said in a social media post.

The governor has cited the mountain’s importance to the province, writing, “Mt. Halcon is Mindoro’s treasure that we need to value and protect. It serves as the home and livelihood for many of our fellow residents.”

Standing at approximately 2,586 meters above sea level, Mt. Halcon is one of the country’s highest peaks and a crucial ecological resource.

The mountain harbors endangered species such as the Mindoro Tamaraw and the Mindoro Bleeding-heart, while its watershed feeds the Aglubang and Ibulo Rivers that provide water for irrigation, agriculture, and domestic use across several municipalities.

“Despite its recognized environmental and anthropological value, Mt. Halcon and the Aglubang and Ibulo Rivers remain without statutory protection as a declared protected area under the NIPAS,” Dolor wrote in his letter to Oriental Mindoro lawmakers.

The governor has requested Representatives Arnan C. Panaligan and Alfonso V. Umali Jr. to jointly sponsor a bill in the House of Representatives that would provide the highest level of protection for the area.

The proposed “Mount Halcon National Park and Aglubang-Ibulo Watershed Conservation Act of 2025” would prohibit mining applications and other activities that could harm the ecosystem.

“Under Section 5 of RA 7586, as amended, areas declared as protected areas are subject to strict protection and management regimes,” the governor noted in his letter, adding that mining operations are “categorically prohibited” in areas declared as National Parks and Watershed Reservations.

Photos: courtesy of Gart Dela Cruz via FB