LOS BAÑOS, LAGUNA — During his State Visit to the Republic of the Philippines, Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam toured the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity (ACB) headquarters at Mt. Makiling Forest Reserve, an ASEAN Heritage Park, on August 17, 2024.
In her opening remarks, ACB Executive Director Dr. Theresa Mundita S. Lim noted that the visit underscores Singapore’s shared commitment with the ACB to preserving the region’s rich natural heritage.
“Your visit today motivates us to intensify our efforts to fulfill our mandate, with the knowledge that Singapore is partnering with us in preserving the biodiversity of the ASEAN region,” she said.
The ACB is collaborating with Singapore on protecting migratory birds and their wetland habitats through the ASEAN Flyway Network and promoting urban greening and city biodiversity.
“These initiatives not only combat biodiversity loss in the region but also enhance our resilience to climate change, improve water security, and boost the overall health and wellbeing of ASEAN citizens,” Dr. Lim noted.
The ACB is also working with Mandai Nature to develop a conservation action plan for the region’s threatened species.
ASEAN Heritage Parks, including Singapore’s Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, demonstrate how wetland protection can deliver multiple benefits, such as supporting migratory bird populations and safeguarding coastal areas from storm surges, sea level rise, and erosion.
This visit marks the first time a head of state has come to the ACB headquarters. To honor this occasion and the 57th Founding Anniversary of ASEAN, President Tharman planted a narra tree (Pterocarpus indicus) at the ACB. Known as Angsana in Singapore, this robust and resilient tree is crucial to the ecosystem, providing habitat for various species, preventing soil erosion, maintaining water quality, and serving as a source of materials for medicine and shelter. The narra seedling was supplied by the Makiling Center for Mountain Ecosystems.
Accompanying the President were his spouse, Mrs. Jane Ittogi Shanmugaratnam; Ms. Grace Fu Hai Yien, Minister for Sustainability and the Environment and Minister-in-Charge of Trade Relations; and Ms. Constance See, Ambassador of Singapore to the Philippines. Also present at the ACB Headquarters were University of the Philippines President Atty. Angelo Jimenez and University of the Philippines Los Baños Chancellor Dr. Jose Camacho Jr.
