Albay Biosphere Reserve

19/10/2026

15/10/2026

2026 4Q MMPL PAMB Meeting

The Mt. Masaraga Protected Landscape (MMPL) convened its 4th Quarter Protected Area Management Board (PAMB) Meeting on October 8, 2026, at the LGU Ligao City Conference Hall to discuss key conservation initiatives, biodiversity monitoring, trekking policies, and protected area management priorities.

A significant highlight was the approval of the PAMB Resolution recognizing the Albay Biosphere Reserve Management Council (ABRMC) Secretariat as a Regular Resource Person/Observer for MMPL, strengthening coordination and collaboration in advancing biodiversity conservation and sustainable development.

Together, we move toward a more sustainable and resilient Albay! 🌱

05/10/2026

01/10/2026

23/09/2026

𝐀𝐁𝐑𝐌𝐂 𝐀𝐝𝐯𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐀𝐥𝐛𝐚𝐲 𝐁𝐢𝐨𝐬𝐩𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐞 𝐈𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐬

(Legazpi City, September 21, 2026) The Albay Biosphere Reserve Management Council (ABRMC) discussed key initiatives for the UNESCO Albay Biosphere Reserve during its 3rd Quarter Meeting at Ysabelle’s Catering Services in Legazpi City.

Topics included the proposed Manito Seascape and Landscape, preparations for the International Day for Biosphere Reserves and Albay Biosphere Reserve Day, and participation in protected area and marine conservation governance.

The council also discussed the proposed reorganization and reconstitution of the ABRMC and integrating Albay Biosphere Reserve concepts into the Comprehensive Land Use Plans (CLUPs) of component local government units.

Representatives from local government units, national government agencies, academic institutions, and other partners involved in managing the reserve participated in the meeting.

The discussions supported continued coordination on biodiversity conservation, sustainable development, and community well-being across the Albay Biosphere Reserve.

IJBuitre, Albay PIO

17/09/2026

3Q 2026 Meeting of ABRMC

The Albay Biosphere Reserve Management Council (ABRMC) convened its CY 2026 Third Quarter Meeting on 17 September 2026 at Ysabelle’s Catering Services (YCS), Imelda Roces Avenue, Legazpi City, to discuss updates and continuing initiatives for the UNESCO Albay Biosphere Reserve.

Key matters included the proposed Manito Seascape and Landscape, preparations for the International Day for Biosphere Reserves and Albay Biosphere Reserve Day, strengthening ABRMC participation in protected area and marine conservation governance, the proposed reorganization and reconstitution of the ABRMC, and the integration of ABR concepts into the Comprehensive Land Use Plans (CLUPs) of component LGUs.

Through continued coordination among LGUs, national government agencies, academic institutions, and other partners, the ABRMC remains committed to advancing biodiversity conservation, sustainable development, and community well-being across the Albay Biosphere Reserve.

Photos: Chard de Vera

15/09/2026

Some species are discovered just in time to be saved. Others are found already standing on the edge of extinction.

𝘉𝘦𝘨𝘰𝘯𝘪𝘢 𝘧𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘪𝘴𝘢𝘣𝘶𝘪𝘥𝘪𝘪 is a plant species first discovered in Ligao, Albay, near Nahulugang-Patok Falls. It belongs to section Baryandra of the Begoniaceae family and is considered a Philippine endemic. This species was named in honor of the late Francis Gregor P. Abuid, a passionate Bicolano biologist.

𝘉𝘦𝘨𝘰𝘯𝘪𝘢 𝘧𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘪𝘴𝘢𝘣𝘶𝘪𝘥𝘪𝘪 is notable for its slightly hairy rhizomes, reddish petioles, uniquely shaped leaves, and delicate white flowers. This plant grows specifically on moist, shaded limestone rocks near waterfalls, conditions that make its habitat both specialized and vulnerable. It is classified as Critically Endangered under the Department of Environment and Natural Resources Administrative Order No. 2026-20 or the Updated National List of Threatened Philippine Plants and their Categories.

This plant isn't just a discovery; it's a reminder that the Philippines is rich with life still unknown to science, and that what we protect today defines what survives tomorrow.

✍ Pellejera, Recaña & Rodriguez (CBSUA interns)

Reference:
Dela Cruz, C.J.P., Concepcion, S.R., & Ang, Y.P. (2022). Begonia francisabuidii (sec2on Baryandra,
Begoniaceae), a new species endemic to Albay, Luzon Island, Philippines. Taiwania, 67(2), 223–
228.