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Kalbario Patapat Natural Park Celebrates Its 18th Founding Anniversary (April 21–25, 2025)
KALBARIO PATAPAT NATURAL PARK Celebrates Its 18th Founding Anniversary (April 21–25, 2025)
The Kalbario-Patapat Natural Park (KPNP), one of the most ecologically significant protected areas in Northern Luzon, Philippines, is commemorating its 18th founding anniversary from March 21 to 25. Located in the northernmost region of Ilocos Norte, this natural park is a recognized Key Biodiversity Area (KBA) and a critical component of the country’s protected area system under the National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS) Act of 1992.
KPNP represents a mega-geographic corridor of the northern Cordillera mountain range and is home to distinct forest ecosystems, ranging from lowland dipterocarp to mossy montane forests. Its rugged topography and complex ecological gradients contribute to its high floristic and faunal endemism, making it a center of biodiversity in northwestern Luzon.
Moreover, Kalbario-Patapat is designated as an Important Bird Area (IBA) by BirdLife International, serving as a critical habitat along the East Asian-Australasian Flyway (EAAF)—a migratory route utilized by millions of birds each year. Its forests provide essential breeding and stopover habitats for both resident and migratory bird species, underscoring its international ecological importance.
A Legacy of Conservation and Research
The year KPNP was officially declared a protected area also marked the inception of the Plant Conservation Initiative of Northwestern University in Laoag City. In October of that same year, the Northwestern University Ecological Park and Botanic Gardens (NUEBG) was established with the goal of conserving rare and endemic flora of the region and promoting environmental education.
The collaboration between the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and Northwestern University has since led to a strong institutional partnership. Over the past 18 years, this alliance has enabled numerous biodiversity research initiatives, ecological field expeditions, and capacity-building programs focused on environmental conservation.
Biodiversity Milestones
One of the most notable scientific contributions came through the Botanical and Avifaunal Mapping Surveys (BAMS) led by Northwestern University with short-term research grants. Over a decade of systematic exploration and documentation has resulted in the identification of 1,154 plant species, many of which are endemic to the Luzon biogeographic region. These findings significantly expand the known floristic composition of the northern Cordillera.
A landmark achievement was the formal discovery and description of Begonia palemlemensis Calaramo et al., 2019, a new species endemic to the upper montane forests of Mt. Palemlem, located within the park. This highlights the park’s role as a living laboratory for taxonomic discovery and conservation biology.
In the realm of ornithology, KPNP boasts the highest diversity of raptors recorded among all protected areas in the Philippines, with 19 species documented to date. This includes both migratory and resident birds of prey, positioning the park as a critical stronghold for raptor conservation in Southeast Asia.
#kpnp
Region 1 Birding Caravan Takes Off Across Ilocos for 6 days in the wild
From April 4 to 9, 2025, the Region 1 Birding Caravan brought together bird enthusiasts, researchers, and nature lovers in a grand journey across the Ilocos Region.
This landmark event traces its roots back to the decadal biological expedition launched by the Northwestern University in 2007 to document the rich biodiversity of Northwestern Luzon, compounded by local birders like Dr. Petrus Calope and Richard Ruiz. What began as a scientific undertaking gradually evolved into an educational and leisure experience, as the Department of Tourism Region I (DOT R1) recognized birding as a powerful ecotourism opportunity. With almost two decades of data, strong support from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources Region I (DENR R1), and collaboration from LGUs and local stakeholders, the pristine landscapes, protected areas, and national parks of Ilocos emerFollowing years of groundwork — including bird validation studies, site simulations, and bird guide training — birding officially took flight as one of the flagship ecotourism product of Region 1. After nearly five years of preparation, the 2025 Birding Caravan was launched, inspired by the spirit of the Tour de France — but with binoculars and telephoto lenses replacing bicycles.
Over six days, participants journeyed through Pangasinan’s coastal wonders like Bangrin Marine Protected Area, climbed the pine-scented highlands of Cervantes, Ilocos Sur, and ventured into the windswept forests of Ilocos Norte. Each stop brought thrilling encounters — from the elusive Chestnut-faced Babbler of Bessang Pass National Monument, to breathtaking flocks of Rufous Hornbills at Kalbario-Patapat Natural Park. More than 200 bird species were documented, including exciting new sightings, captured by high-resolution cameras with remarkable clarity.ged as prime birding destinations.
The caravan culminated in a heartfelt closing program at Northwestern University, where digital exhibits of the birds seen — some never photographed this vividly before — were proudly displayed. It was not only a visual treat, but a powerful reminder of the ecological wealth of the region and the need to conserve it for future generations.
Participants came from across the country: members of the Wild Bird Club of the Philippines (WBCP), Haring Ibon, Wild Bird Photographers of the Philippines (WBPP), Bird Finder Philippines, Balete Conservancy, individual enthusiasts and newcomers, and the newly established Ilocos-based birding group, BILLIT ORG. Local communities warmly welcomed the caravan, proudly serving regional dishes and showcasing the hospitality the Ilocos Region is known for.
Special thanks to the LGUs of Mangatarem, Bani, and Balungao (Pangasinan); Agoo, Aringay, and Bauang (La Union); Cervantes and Suyo (Ilocos Sur); and Paoay and Pagudpud (Ilocos Norte). Gratitude is also extended to the Philippine Information Agency, the Provincial and Municipal Tourism Offices, the Provincial Governments, and the CENRO field offices who helped bring this ambitious event to life.
The Region 1 Birding Caravan is more than a tour — it is a movement, a shared celebration of our winged friends, and a renewed pledge to protect the places they call home.
Find the one in Region 1, Love Birding – Love the Philippines.
WeAreNWU, CBCREEC.
Feathered friends, A Tribute to Ilocos Region’s Avian Treasures
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to DOT Region I for initiating this remarkable collaboration. This event not only highlights the stunning birdlife of Ilocos but also strengthens our shared commitment to heritage and conservation.
As we look ahead, we hope to continue building on this partnership through even more ambitious projects - like hosting the international symposium for Birds. Together, let’s keep the spirit of discovery and preservation alive for future generations.
Billit Org.
-Michael A. Calaramo
TAXONOMIST APPRECIATION DAY
Honoring Michael Agbayani Calaramo on Taxonomist Appreciation Day
"For the love of documenting the region's Biological Diversity that flourished on earth where our ancestors relied on since ancient time, the very reason why we exist today. "
- Michael Agbayani Calaramo
On this Taxonomist Appreciation Day, we honor the unparalleled contributions of Michael Agbayani Calaramo, a luminary in the field of plant taxonomy and exploration in the Northwestern Luzon. Recognized by the National Museum of the Philippines as one of the nation's foremost taxonomists, his work has significantly advanced the understanding of the country's exceptional biodiversity, reinforcing the Philippines' status as a true megadiverse nation.
For nearly two decades, Calaramo has led botanical expeditions into the most remote and uncharted terrains of northwestern Luzon, braving rugged landscapes, perilous cliffs, and dense forests in pursuit of scientific discovery. His tireless efforts have culminated in eleven pioneering publications, each unveiling species previously unknown to science—new life forms hidden within the intricate web of Philippine ecosystems. His meticulous research has not only expanded taxonomic knowledge but also underscored the urgent need for conservation in fragile environments.
Among his monumental achievements is the establishment of the Herbarium of Northwestern Luzon (HNUL), a repository of over 21,000 meticulously curated specimens. This collection stands as a testament to the region’s biological richness, providing an invaluable reference for researchers, students, and conservationists alike. Furthermore, his visionary leadership led to the creation of the Northwestern University Ecological Park & Botanic Gardens (NUEBG), an institution that serves as both a sanctuary for plant diversity and a beacon of scientific excellence. Through this initiative, Northwestern University has gained international recognition, positioning itself as a center for botanical research and conservation.
Calaramo’s unwavering dedication to the documentation and preservation of flora and fauna has not only enriched scientific literature but has also brought prestige and honor to Northwestern University. His legacy continues to inspire a new generation of taxonomists, ecologists, and environmental advocates, ensuring that the pursuit of knowledge and the protection of the natural world remain at the heart of scientific endeavor.
Today, as we celebrate the work of taxonomists, we recognize Michael Agbayani Calaramo—not just as a scientist, but as a guardian of biodiversity, a trailblazer of Philippine botany, and a steward of the natural heritage of Northwestern Luzon.
REDISCOVERY HISTORY
Rediscovering History: Following the Malaspina Expedition's Path in Northern Luzon and Unveiling Plagiostachys parviflora after 196 Years
Mapping Early Explorations in NW Luzon
In 2007, the Northwesterniana Expedition was launched to document the biological diversity of Northwest Luzon. This ambitious undertaking aimed to conserve notable species critical and restricted to the region. Extensive archival work was done to trace the footsteps of early expeditions in the northern Philippines, utilizing the Smithsonian Institution Digital Collections and other online collaborative documents.
One of the earliest voyages to northern Luzon was the Malaspina Expedition, which departed from Cádiz, Spain, in 1789 in search of medicinal plants and notable spices. Aboard the Descubierta, the exploration reached northern Luzon, traveling from Cagayan to Pangasinan. Thadeus Haenke, who joined the expedition in 1790, collected numerous plant specimens, including gingers, Philippine hemp (Musa textilis) and betel nut (Areca catechu L.), their first introduction to Europe.
During the Spanish occupation, the establishment of Nueva Segovia in Northern Luzon facilitated also the influx of Spanish friars like Manuel Blanco, who first documented the pitcher plant Nepenthes alata in Vintar, Ilocos Norte. Between 1836 and 1840, Hugh Cuming collected the land snail Helicostyla iloconensis during his voyage from Cagayan to southern Ilocos. In the early 1900s, during the American occupation, Elmer Drew Merrill made significant collections, and the NWU team successfully recollected all Ilocos species, including the once-extinct-in-the-wild Psychotria ilocana Merr.
Over the past 18 years, the Northwesterniana Expedition has recollected and conserved these species of flora and fauna at the Northwestern University Ecological Park & Botanic Gardens (NEUBG) and the Herbarium of Northwestern Luzon, Philippines (HNUL). The NWU Biodiversity Expedition unit also has published 11 new plant species to science to date, with many more underway for publication in prestigious journals.
Plagiostachys parviflora (C.Presl) Ridl. photograph in the wild with its candid flower
Rediscovery of a Nearly Two-Century-Old Specimen by Thaddäus Haenke
With the effort of the CBCREEC to play its role on the global stage of botanical research and scientific cooperation, numerous top-tier universities in the Philippines and abroad have partnered with NUEBG for botanical undertakings. In 2016, the Far Eastern University Herbarium Division (FEUH), led by Sandra Yap, established their Long-Term Ecological Plot in Piddig—a 21-hectare in-situ research site of the Northwestern University Center for Biodiversity Conservation, Restoration Ecology, and Environmental Concerns (CBCREEC). This collaboration expanded from ecological research to marine ecosystem studies and plant systematics, focusing on various plant groups, including the family Zingiberaceae.
During a collaborative fieldwork effort led by ginger expert Duke Rodolph Ducot and Director Calaramo, the combined team from FEUH and HNUL recollected ginger species in Ilocos Norte. Herbarium specimens were prepared, while living specimens were brought to the NUEBG for conservation.
After rigorous taxonomic work involving visits to herbariums in Europe and the US, as well as examining specimens previously deposited at the Philippine National Museum, Duke concluded that Thadeus Haenke's collection in Ilocos during the Malaspina Expedition was indeed distinct as described earlier. The ginger Plagiostachys parviflora, notable for its small population confined within the Kalbario Patapat Natural Park, was rediscovered. Another ginger species, Leptosolena haenkei, previously thought to be extinct, was also found in this wet forest, along with Alpinia haenkei. These findings suggest that the expedition may have anchored in Pasaleng Bay.
In a whirlwind of scientific discovery, Duke meticulously crafted a groundbreaking manuscript, rallying the team to review its final draft before boldly submitting it for publication. This remarkable research endeavor represents a dynamic collaboration between the Northwestern University CBCREEC and the Far Eastern University Department of Biological Sciences, Institute of Arts and Sciences. Their collective mission: to revolutionize taxonomic understanding of the Philippines' regional flora. Amidst this flurry of activity, Ducot, deep into his PhD studies in the historic city of Paris at the prestigious Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle, joins forces with regional botanists to unravel the secrets of the ginger family. His journey takes him to the vibrant living plant collections at NUEBG and the meticulously preserved herbarium specimens at HNUL, where his curatorial expertise breathes new life into the study of these fascinating plants.
Plagiostachys parviflora, a botanical gem long thought to be lost to history, was serendipitously rediscovered in the wild, reigniting hope among botanists and plant enthusiasts alike. This elusive species, characterized by its delicate, small flowers and slender, reed-like stems, was first described over a century ago but had since faded into obscurity, eluding scientific studies and plant collectors.
The dramatic rediscovery occurred during a routine field expedition led by a team of intrepid botanists exploring the dense, uncharted forests of the Philippines. As the team navigated through the lush, verdant undergrowth, their keen eyes caught sight of a cluster of unusual plants nestled in a secluded, mist-laden valley. Upon closer examination, they were astonished to identify the plants as Plagiostachys parviflora, their distinct floral structures and unique foliage unmistakable.
This unexpected find was nothing short of miraculous, a testament to nature's resilience and the unyielding spirit of scientific inquiry. The rediscovery of Plagiostachys parviflora not only enriches our understanding of the region's diverse flora but also underscores the importance of continued exploration and conservation efforts in preserving our planet's botanical heritage.
The Joint Expedition Team
Undeterred by the relentless onslaught of torrential rains and gale-force winds, the expedition team braved the unforgiving wilderness with unwavering determination. Each step through the mud-soaked terrain was a battle against nature’s fury, as the team pushed forward through thick underbrush and treacherous ravines. Their resolve was tested by the ceaseless downpour, which turned trails into rivers and made every movement a struggle. Yet, driven by an unyielding passion for discovery, they pressed on, knowing that the secrets of the forest lay just beyond the next ridge. Through sheer grit and unbreakable spirit, they endured the harshest conditions, forging a path to scientific revelation amidst the storm.
ASBP Symposium ASBP International Symposium & Annual Meeting 2024
The Association Systematic Biologist 41st International Symposium
More than 200 participants and volunteers attended the symposium — one of the best in the recent years with 164 researchers from top caliber universities in the country, exhibiting more than 20 new discoveries from 5 countries (France, Japan, Vietnam, Taiwan, and the Philippines), making it the largest fleet of biologists in the country.
Pinili Sanitary Landfill Establishment and Biodiversity Conservation Monitoring
In an effort to balance infrastructure development with environmental stewardship, the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Pinili, Ilocos Norte initiated a collaboration with Northwestern University through its Center for Botanical Research, Education, and Ecological Conservation (CBCREEC). The primary objective of this partnership was to conduct a comprehensive biodiversity survey in the proposed site of the municipality’s new sanitary landfill.
Recognizing the ecological implications of such a development, the LGU Pinili proactively reached out to Northwestern University to ensure that scientific guidance and ecological sensitivity would inform the planning and construction process. The biodiversity survey aimed to document existing flora and fauna, identify any species of conservation concern, and assess the potential environmental impacts of the proposed landfill on local ecosystems.
The CBCREEC research team conducted extensive field assessments, focusing on species richness, endemicity, habitat condition, and the presence of indicator species. The survey included plants, insects, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and small mammals, with particular attention given to native and threatened plant species that may be affected by construction activities. The goal was to provide baseline data that could serve as a scientific reference for both mitigation strategies and future restoration programs.
One of the key findings highlighted the presence of remnant lowland vegetation and ecologically significant species that were once thriving in the area. This underscores the importance of implementing appropriate conservation measures before, during, and after construction. The CBCREEC team recommended establishing a buffer zone, transplanting vulnerable species where possible, and integrating ecological restoration plans once the landfill is operational.
Beyond environmental protection, the project also aims to serve as a model of sustainable land use in small municipalities—showing that waste management infrastructure can be planned in harmony with biodiversity conservation. This partnership between LGU Pinili and Northwestern University sets a precedent for evidence-based development, ensuring that local government actions are informed by science and committed to sustainability.
The collaboration further opens up opportunities for long-term ecological monitoring, with the CBCREEC proposing to return periodically to assess the recovery of flora and fauna and to ensure that ecological goals are being met. In doing so, Pinili affirms its role not only as a progressive municipality but also as a custodian of the region’s natural heritage.
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