PHILIPPINE CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY

Manila, Philippines

Reaction Paper:
Pamitinan Protected Landscape – Rodriguez (Montalban), Rizal

Presented to the Graduate School of Business and Management

(Northern Luzon Extension Program)
of the Philippine Christian University

In partial fulfillment
of the requirements for the degree of
Master in Management in Environmental Management
SY 2022-2023

Urban Planning Implementation and Planning Workshop

MMEP-632

Henry Delantar Carbo

 Philippine Christian University
Manila, Philippines

Pamitinan Protected Landscape

I. Introduction
The Pamitinan Protected Landscape is a protected area located in Rizal,
Philippines along the Sierra Madre mountain range. It is home to various flora and
fauna and is a popular destination for hikers and nature lovers. The area is also
home to several archaeological sites, including the famous Pamintinan Cave where
Andres Bonifacio and katipinueros declared the Philippine Independence from the
Spanish empire and inscribed the declaration “Viva La Indepencia Filipina” inside the
cave wall.

The Pamitinan
Protected Landscape is a
fantastic place to visit and
explore. It is an excellent
example of how nature can be
preserved and protected while
allowing people to enjoy its
beauty. The variety of flora and
fauna that can be found in the
area is truly remarkable, and
the archaeological sites are a great reminder of the area's history. This area is also
an excellent place for hikers and nature lovers to explore and appreciate the beauty
of the natural environment.

II. History and Development of Pamitinan Protected Landscape

The Pamitinan Protected Landscape (PPL) is a protected area in Rizal,
Philippines under Proclamation No. 901 declared by the former President of the
Philippines Fidel V. Ramos. It is situated in the rural community of Wawa, which lies
within the territorial boundaries of the San Rafael Barangay in Rodriguez's hilly
eastern portion (previously Montalban's), Philippines. The PPL is a unique and
essential area of natural beauty and biodiversity. Rodriguez (Montalban), Rizal
known and famous of the legendary
mountains of “Benardo Carpio”, who was
known to be the strongest man in ancient
times, which according to legend, used his
bare hands. Was able to stop the collision of
two mountains (Mt. Pamitinan and Mt.
Binikayan) from crushing the village along the
riverbanks.

The area was initially set aside to

protect the local flora and fauna and prevent
the destruction of the natural environment.
In the late 19th century, the Philippine
government further covered the area and
declared it a national park.

In the late 20th century, the PPL was further developed and expanded with
the addition of several trails and roads and the construction of a visitor center. This
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 Philippine Christian University
Manila, Philippines

allowed for easier access to the area and qualified for the development of tourism in
the area.

The PPL is now a popular tourist destination and is home to various

activities, such as hiking, camping, bird watching, and nature photography. The area
is also home to miscellaneous flora and fauna, including the endemic scale-
feathered malkoha, grey-backed tailorbird, elegant tit, grey-rumped swiftlet, white-
browed shama, crested honey buzzard, Philippine bulbul, feral pigeon, peregrine
falcon, and mangrove blue flycatcher. The PPL is also home to various cultural and
historical sites, such as the ruins of the old Spanish fort and the old Spanish church.

The PPL is an important area of natural beauty and biodiversity and is

essential to the Philippines’ natural heritage. The site is also home to various flora
and fauna and is integral to the country’s cultural heritage. The PPL is a vital area for
conservation and is an essential part of the country’s natural heritage. The area is
also home to various cultural and historical sites and is a necessary part of the
country’s cultural heritage.

III. Environmental Impact of Pamitinan Protected Landscape

The Pamitinan Protected Landscape is a unique protected area in Rizal,
Philippines. It covers an area of over 608 hectares and encompasses mountain
peaks, highland forests, and lowland grasslands. The landscape is home to numerous
species of flora and fauna and some endemic species found nowhere else on Earth.

The conservation effort within the Pamitinan Protected Landscape has been
integral for preserving its biodiversity and protecting rare native wildlife from
extinction or endangerment due to human activity or natural disasters such as
typhoons or earthquakes. Conservationists have implemented various strategies for
conserving fauna, such as
reintroducing endangered species
back into their native habitats by using
captive-breeding techniques;
monitoring populations; providing
food resources for larger animals;
controlling poaching activities;
regulating tourism activities within
areas with sensitive ecosystems;
creating buffer zones around critical
wildlife habitats to reduce human
interference; implementing fencing
systems around sanctuaries where
necessary and collaborating with local
communities living near wildlife
reserves to ensure their cooperation in observing regulations regarding
hunting/trapping wild animals, etc. All these methods have had a positive impact on
preserving local biodiversity, which benefits nature and helps sustain livelihoods by
providing locals with ecotourism opportunities that rely upon healthy ecosystems
being maintained within this protected landscape.

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 Philippine Christian University
Manila, Philippines

Reforestation initiatives are also significant for maintaining sustainable

forests within this region since they help replenish areas where deforestation has
occurred due to illegal logging practices or other anthropogenic causes, such as land
conversion for agricultural purposes. Reforesting these areas helps create more
habitat options available for animal species that depend on trees/forests either
directly (i.e., nesting sites) or indirectly (i.e., food sources). Furthermore,
reforestation in the Pamitinan Protected Landscape also helps reduce soil erosion,
which can have a significant environmental impact on the entire region and
contribute to water shortages in some areas.

Ecotourism is another way of preserving the unique biodiversity found

within the Pamitinan Protected Landscape since it provides an incentive for locals to
help maintain its natural resources while at
the same time providing economic
opportunities that come with tourism
activities. Ecotourism involves birdwatching,
mountain trekking, and wildlife photography
designed to minimize human interference in
these sensitive ecosystems while allowing
visitors to enjoy their beauty. This tourism
encourages conservation efforts by
increasing local awareness regarding species
at risk due to habitat destruction or other
anthropogenic causes; creating job
opportunities related to maintaining
trails/ecosystems; establishing regulations
concerning sustainable use of natural
resources; providing funds for further
research into preserving local biodiversity; etc. As such, ecotourism has been
immensely helpful in promoting environmental protection within this protected
landscape and ensuring its future sustainability for humans and wildlife.

In conclusion, conservation efforts through flora & fauna preservation

initiatives (e.g., reintroduction programs), reforestation projects (i.e., replenishing
areas affected by deforestation) as well as ecotourism opportunities (i.e.,
responsible enjoyment of nature) have all had a positive impact on mitigating
potential environmental effects within the Pamitinan Protected Landscape over time
leading towards greater sustainability for both humans and wildlife living here alike
in years ahead.

IV. Wonders of Rizal: The Pamitinan Vicinity

Nestled in the lush, verdant
hills of Rodriguez, Rizal is Pamitinan
Protected Landscape - a hidden gem
waiting to be explored. This protected
area offers so much for visitors to
experience and research, from its
towering limestone cliffs that seem like
reaching up into the heavens to its
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Wawa Dam
 Philippine Christian University
Manila, Philippines

refreshingly cool waterfalls cascading down upon you. It's easy to understand why
this place has become such an enchanting destination for locals and tourists alike.

The best part about visiting Pamitinan? You get lost in nature's beauty as
soon as you enter the park. The air here is crisp and clean, with breathtaking views
of some of the most stunning natural landscapes in
Rizal province. Stroll along trails lined by tall trees on
one side while panoramic vistas unfold before your
eyes on another – it feels almost surreal!

Wildlife thrives at Pamitinan, too – there's no

shortage of birds singing their songs or wild monkeys
playing around nearby streams. Not only that, but
during certain times throughout summer months,
fireflies come out after dark which makes for quite a
spectacle if you have time to stay late enough!

What sets this protected landscape apart from other

destinations near Manila is its rich cultural history – artifacts dating back centuries
can still be found around parts of these lands today, and local guides will happily
share tales behind them with anyone who wishes to listen closely enough. A true
feast for both body & mind, indeed! So whether it's just an afternoon hike or a full-
on weekend adventure that you seek,
make sure not to forget about Pamintinan
when planning your next trip outside
Metro Manila.

The Dumagat-Remontado Tribe is

also an indigenous people living in
Pamintinan. They are known for their rich
culture and traditions such as distinct
ethnic dress, ethnic dance, ethnic musical
instruments, festivals, rituals, customary
laws, and many more (Montalban Tourism).
Dumagat in Pamintinan Peak
V. Conclusion
The Pamitinan Protected Landscape is
an excellent example of preserving and
protecting nature while allowing people to
enjoy its beauty. It is a great place to explore
and appreciate the beauty of the natural
environment. The variety of flora and fauna
that can be found in the area is truly
remarkable. The area is also home to several
archaeological sites, a great reminder of the
room's history.

The Pamitinan Protected Landscape

spans the Rizal municipalities. It is blessed
with municipalities, mountains, rivers,

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Me and my ex-G.F. now my wife – After
typhoon Ondoy - 2009
 Philippine Christian University
Manila, Philippines

waterfalls, and rich vegetation. The landscape provides an excellent environment for
outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and mountain biking, making it an ideal
spot for exploration or relaxation.

What makes this place even more remarkable is that it serves as a sanctuary
for several endangered species. With these diverse ranges of creatures living
harmoniously together here at Pamitinan Protected Landscape, we are genuinely
privileged to witness nature’s nature before our very own eyes.

Click the image below and Watch the video.

Tourism Activities in Paminitinan Protected Landscape

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 Philippine Christian University
Manila, Philippines

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