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The Provincial Government of Apayao formally opened the yApayaos' Biosphere Reserve Research Center on July 7 in Eva, Calanasan, coinciding with the second anniversary of the province's inscription as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
Governor Elias C. Bulut Jr., Congresswoman Eleanor C. Bulut-Begtang, Vice Governor Kyle Mariah Chelsea S. Bulut-Cunan, Philippine Eagle Foundation Executive Director Dennis Joseph I. Salvador, representatives of the UNESCO National Commission of the Philippines (UNACOM), the Department of Environment and Natural Resources–Cordillera Administrative Region (DENR-CAR), municipal officials, and representatives of partner agencies attended the inauguration.
Eva Garden was chosen as the site of the center after the first active Philippine Eagle nest documented in Luzon was discovered in the area, a finding that drew wider scientific attention to Apayao's forests and later supported the province's nomination as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
Research conducted over the past several years has continued to reveal the ecological importance of the province. Aside from the Philippine Eagle, researchers have documented previously unrecorded species of flora, rediscovered plant species, confirmed the presence of Rafflesia, and recorded additional species of insects, vines, and other wildlife found in Apayao's forests.
The center will serve as a base for researchers, government agencies, academic institutions, and conservation organizations conducting studies within the Biosphere Reserve. It will also house reference materials and scientific information gathered through research and biodiversity surveys in different parts of the province. Speaking during the inauguration, Gov. Bulut said the Biosphere Reserve designation carries responsibilities beyond international recognition. He said continued research and documentation remain important in guiding conservation efforts and protecting Apayao's natural resources.
The Biosphere Reserve Research Center was constructed through the Provincial Government of Apayao as part of its long-term program for the management of the yApayaos' Biosphere Reserve.
