TUNGAWAN, Zamboanga Sibugay — Tungawan is positioning itself as the next eco-tourism hotspot in Zamboanga Sibugay, with its locally known “Bat Kingdom” as a centerpiece attraction.

Municipal Mayor Angelito Aniñon along with officials from local and national agencies recently visited the site, a mangrove area recognized by the Ramsar Convention as home to thousands of fruit bats, including the critically endangered golden-crowned flying fox.

The visit reflects Mayor Aniñon’s broader strategy to promote sustainable eco-tourism while improving municipal infrastructure, livelihood programs, and public services.

“We aim to showcase Tungawan’s rich natural resources, not only to conserve them but to develop responsible tourism that benefits our entire community,” he said.

According to the Zamboanga Sibugay Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (BSAP) 2023–2028, produced under the Ramsar framework, Tungawan’s Bangaan Island Marine Protected Area spans 240 hectares of mangrove forest, providing critical refuge for large bat populations and other wildlife species. The site is part of the broader Sibugay Wetlands ecosystem, which hosts an estimated 311,000 bats province-wide.

Established in 2004 through Municipal Ordinance No. 30-04, the Bangaan MPA spans 880 hectares across Barangays Tigbucay and Linguisan. This sanctuary encompasses coral reefs, seagrass beds, and mangrove forests, providing critical habitats for endangered species such as sea turtles, manta rays, and the critically endangered golden-crowned flying fox.

Recognized as the Best Marine Protected Area in the Philippines in 2011, Bangaan MPA has been a model of community-based conservation. The sanctuary is not only a haven for biodiversity but also a testament to the collaborative efforts of local communities and the local government in preserving marine resources

During the visit, Mayor Aniñon assessed the site’s condition, explored eco-tourism development opportunities, and emphasized the importance of preserving Tungawan’s biodiversity while promoting it as a tourism destination.

“Through these collective efforts, we envision the Bat Kingdom and other natural sites becoming iconic eco-tourism destinations in the Philippines, setting a model for harmony between conservation and responsible tourism,” the mayor said.

The municipal government is working with environmental agencies and tourism stakeholders to enhance protection of the area, while developing Tungawan into a hub for eco-tourism, education, and sustainable community livelihoods.

About The Author

Antonio Manaytay

Antonio Manaytay is a journalist, editor, and pastor reporting for Rappler and leading the Daily Sun Chronicle. A 2024 Klima Fellow, he covers climate, governance, and grassroots resilience in the Zamboanga Peninsula.

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