Although the creation of the PAMB is mandated by law, its formation is a long and hard process. This is because more often than not, the members represent the different government and government sectors bringing with them divergent views on many matters. On the other hand, these divergent views also paved the way for a multi-sectoral management, which has given meat and substance to the objectives of the NIPAS Law.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in Western Visayas issued a special order establishing the Office of the Protected Area Superintendent (PASu), which eventually serves as the secretariat to PAMB operations. The order also provided for the hiring of staff with plantilla positions specifically intended for MKNP. Further strengthening the foundation was the phasing in of MUAD-Negros as the host NGO which complemented the PASu staff in supporting PAMB operations.

To equip themselves in this pioneering effort, the PAMB members participated in various training programs, visited other protected areas and shared insights with other protected area management practitioners. To provide strong foundation for operations, PAMB also conducted a seminar-workshop on organizational development, paving the way for the emergence of an operations manual which details functions, working relationships and guidelines and procedures for various activities, including policy formulation.
  

One of the highlights of its early operation was the holding of the first workshop among 10 CPPAP sites in the country to formulate the MKNP draft bill, which was approved by PAMB and endorsed to Congress for legislation.

Linkages and Mobilization

Besides maintaining linkages with PAMBs of other CPPAP sites, the MKNP PAMB also established initiatives on linkages, coordination and support mobilization, leading to the establishment or active working relationships with local governments and national government agencies, like the Department of Tourism (DOT).

The closure of the MKNP at the beginning of the El Niño phenomenon was also challenged by few groups of mountain trekkers, one of which took legal action, resulting in the development of more guidelines, which include safety measures. Consequently, LGUs and other groups affirmed the decision-making authority of PAMB over the protected area by supporting the move for temporary closure. Likewise, the long-term management plan was formulated to reflect the needs and aspirations of various stakeholders – all bound by the commitment to conserve the biodiversity of MKNP.

Frontrunner in Conservation

With the support of NGOs, local government, and various government agencies, the PAMB has pushed the MKNP program at the forefront of conservation efforts. It was also given credit for the mobilization of community members by CPPAP, known as Kanlaon Green Brigade, now acknowledged as the frontliners in the urgent campaign to protect the park. Redirecting thier day-to-day lives, their former slash-and-burn farmers who transformed themselves to become environmental protectors, together with the orchid gatherers-turned-enterpreneurs, have realized that protecting Mount Kanlaon ensures a better life for their children.

Political Will

The firmness of MKNP PAMB in decision-making and enforcement of environment laws merited recognition from different groups on the authority and functions of the board. The provincial government and local authorities eventually expressed support to board initiatives and the communities forged partnership with it to safeguard, conserve, and develop Mt. Kanlaon as a protected area.

The active participation of the PAMB chairperson, the contribution of the board members and support assistance by the back staff, the secretariat and the establishment of the Park Superintendent’s Office under the auspices of the CPPAP (Conservation of Priority Protected Areas Project) have made the task truly a team effort.