Samar Island Natural Park

16/07/2026

13/07/2026

The endangered Samar Rafflesia (Rafflesia manillana) has been documented again in Samar Island Natural Park (SINP) after about 15 years, providing updated data to support biodiversity conservation and scientific research in the Philippines.

A team from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources–SINP documented the species during surveys conducted May 26–28 and June 9–11, 2026, recording 24 visible buds and flowers, including one fully bloomed flower.

𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞: https://pia.gov.ph/news/denr-documents-endangered-samar-rafflesia-after-15-years/

08/07/2026

LOOK: The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) VIII together with the Provincial Governments of Samar and Eastern Samar, the Local Government Units of Basey and Maydolong, and other key stakeholders, formalized their commitment to the protection and conservation of the Basey–Maydolong Road through the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA).

The agreement establishes a collaborative framework to ensure that the road, which traverses the protected landscape of the Samar Island Natural Park (SINP), is managed and maintained in a manner that balances infrastructure development with biodiversity conservation and environmental protection.

DENR 8 Regional Executive Director Arturo N. Salazar emphasizes that said Memorandum of Agreement is more than a formal commitment—it is a shared promise to protect the Samar Island Natural Park while ensuring that development is pursued responsibly.

In his message, Director Salazar emphasized that said Memorandum of Agreement demonstrates that development and environmental preservation can coexist when guided by responsible governance and genuine collaboration.

"The Basey–Maydolong Road serves as a vital link for our communities, but it also passes through one of our most ecologically important protected areas. It is our shared responsibility to ensure that infrastructure development proceeds without compromising the integrity of the Samar Island Natural Park. Through this partnership, we reaffirm our commitment to achieving sustainable development—where progress goes hand in hand with the protection of our natural heritage for present and future generations," he added.

Recognizing the ecological significance of the Samar Island Natural Park, the signatories pledged to strengthen inter-agency coordination, promote sustainable road management practices, and implement measures that minimize environmental impacts while ensuring safe and responsible access for the public.

The MOA underscores the shared responsibility of national government agencies, local government units, and partner organizations in safeguarding one of Eastern Visayas' most important protected areas for the benefit of present and future generations.

04/07/2026

𝗪𝗲𝗹𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗯𝗮𝗰𝗸 𝘁𝗼 𝗦𝗮𝗺𝗮𝗿 𝗜𝘀𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝗸!

After their memorable visit last year, the guests of 𝗠𝗦 𝗛𝗲𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗔𝗱𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲𝗿 once again explored the natural wonders of SINP on 𝗝𝘂𝗹𝘆 𝟬𝟮, 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲. Their visit featured bird watching and trekking activities at the Paranas Eco-trail and Birding Site, followed by a meaningful nature experience at the Arboretum ni Papa Donoy, a special place where many of SINP’s endemic trees and orchids can be found. This visit highlights the beauty, biodiversity, and ecotourism potential of one of the country’s largest terrestrial protected area, the Samar Island Natural Park. 💚

04/07/2026

LOOK: The rediscovery of the Samar Rafflesia within Samar Island Natural Park was featured on 24 Oras “Kuya Kim, Ano Na?”

This highlights the rich biodiversity of SINP and the importance of continued conservation, protection, and monitoring of its unique natural resources.

02/07/2026

01/07/2026

𝐃𝐄𝐍𝐑𝟖 𝐇𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐬 𝐌𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐚 𝐓𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐚𝐭 𝐒𝐈𝐍𝐏 𝐭𝐨 𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐄𝐜𝐨-𝐓𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐦 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐀𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Regional Office VIII, in partnership with the Samar Island Natural Park (SINP) Protected Area Management Office, conducted a media tour as part of its efforts to strengthen environmental advocacy and showcase the region's rich biodiversity.

The activity, held at the Sohoton Caves and Natural Bridge Park in Basey, Samar, gathered government communicators and local media practitioners from the region.

The media tour provided participants with firsthand exposure to the ecological significance of the area and the conservation initiatives being implemented by the DENR to protect its diverse ecosystems and natural resources.

The activity also intended to raise public awareness of environmental conservation, promote responsible and sustainable tourism, and highlight the importance of protecting the region's natural resources through increased public engagement and appreciation of protected areas.

Participants visited several attractions within the park, including a kayaking trip along the Sohoton River leading to the Natural Bridge, a guided exploration of Sohoton Cave, and a presentation featuring traditional music performed by local singers from Basey.

The media tour forms part of the continuing efforts to promote biodiversity conservation and sustainable eco-tourism while enhancing public appreciation of Samar's natural heritage through information and education initiatives.

29/06/2026

𝑩𝒆𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒅 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒚 𝒓𝒆𝒅𝒊𝒔𝒄𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒚 𝒊𝒔 𝒂 𝒅𝒆𝒅𝒊𝒄𝒂𝒕𝒆𝒅 𝒇𝒊𝒆𝒍𝒅 𝒕𝒆𝒂𝒎.

Meet the SINP field team behind the recent documentation of the Samar Rafflesia, 𝘙𝘢𝘧𝘧𝘭𝘦𝘴𝘪𝘢 𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘢, within the Samar Island Natural Park.

The exploratory survey was conducted with the guidance of the Park Operations Superintendent Forester Leona M. Tumamak and carried out by the SINP field team, led by Sir Joseph Cabigayan. Through careful field observation, mapping, and documentation, the team was able to generate important information to support the continued monitoring and protection of this rare and Endangered species.

This effort reflects the strong commitment of the SINP team in safeguarding the park’s unique and irreplaceable biodiversity.

29/06/2026

𝘼 𝙍𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝘽𝙡𝙤𝙤𝙢, 𝘼 𝙍𝙚𝙢𝙞𝙣𝙙𝙚𝙧 𝙩𝙤 𝙋𝙧𝙤𝙩𝙚𝙘𝙩. 🌿

From its delicate buds to its remarkable bloom, these field photos capture the quiet beauty of the Samar Rafflesia, 𝘙𝘢𝘧𝘧𝘭𝘦𝘴𝘪𝘢 𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘢, documented during the Exploratory Survey of Rafflesia within the Samar Island Natural Park.

More than a rare botanical sight, each image tells a story of persistence, discovery, and the continuing need to safeguard the fragile habitats that shelter SINP’s unique and irreplaceable biodiversity.