Curated by Raz Salvarita and 6 others
Panay Island lays in the heart of the Philippines archipelago, and is home to an extraordinary collection of plants, animals and ecosystems, including tropical rainforests, mangroves, and grasslands. It faces the Sulu sea, home of the World Heritage listed Tubbataha Reef.
Panay Island by Andrew Pasaporte
About the region
Nestled in the heart of the Philippines, Panay Island belongs to the Western Visayan region with rich natural environment and cultural, historical heritage. The diverse landscapes and flourishing ecosystems are testament of how nature takes charge in shaping the island’s resources – from the ridge to the reefs.
The island is home to spectacular flora and fauna with some endemic species that remains in the wild habituating the Central Panay mountain range that is considered the backbone for conservation sites and where the “Big 5” species can be found: the Rafflesia speciosa, Visayan Spotted Deer, Visayan Warty Pig, Panay Monitor Lizard, and the Visayan Writhed-billed Hornbill.
The natural beauty of the island extends beyond terrestrial realms; it encompasses majestic mountains, meandering rivers, cascading waterfalls, and wonders of its underwater world. Each of these elements contributes to the allure of Panay, offering a haven for both adventure seekers and those seeking tranquility.
Turtle, Image: Hitoshi Namura, Unsplash
Boracay, Image: Darya Jum, Unsplash
Guimaras, Image: Cristina Ong, Unsplash
Clownfish, Image: Ray Aucott, Unsplash
Puka Shell beach, Image: Red Morley Hewitt on Unsplash
Panay Coastal Community / Andrew Pasaporte
Darya jum Boracay unsplash
Conservation
Panay Island, with its remaining natural mountain forest, stands as one of the crucial carbon sinks within the Philippine archipelago. As the sixth largest island in the country, it boasts diverse features in both its land and sea life, serving as a habitat for various species of flora and fauna. Notable inhabitants include the critically endangered Walden's hornbill, locally known as "dulungan," the Panay Monitor Lizard, and the Visayan Warty Pig, among others.
The island encompasses key biodiversity areas, such as the Northwest Panay Peninsula Natural Park - the last contiguous lowland forest in the Western Visayas. Additionally, the mountainous spine of Panay Island spans across the borders of four provinces. namely Capiz and Aklan, as well as Antique and lloilo.
The proposal to establish the Central Panay Mountains National Park emphasizes the urgent need for conservation efforts to safeguard and preserve the island's remaining natural resources. Furthermore, it underscores the vital role of empowering local communities to advocate for just transitions and to uphold environmental laws and policies that contribute to the well-being and existence of nature and its people as a whole.
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Tumawog falls is one of the hidden gems of Panipiason, a remote town on Panay Island. This beautiful piece of poetry from Iss Bautista explores the call of the wild.
Mount Baloy is located in the beautiful mountain range that spans almost the entire west side of Panay Island. Here adventurer Jackson Groves describes the Mount Baloy hike, one of the most challenging and rewarding in the Philippines.
Amidst the heightened anxiety of the pandemic, a global programme dubbed as the EDGE of Existence has chosen David Quimpo, a Panay island conservation specialist, to work on his project to “Improve the conservation of the Rufous-headed Hornbills in the municipalities of Madalag and Malinao, Aklan, Philippines”.
This short film explores efforts to save the beautiful rainforests of Panay Island, home to extraordinary species like the Warty pig, Visayan hornbill and Negros bleeding-heart pigeon.
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