The Value of Mt. Malindang

Mt. Malindang Range Natural Park is a watershed or catchment area which drains water through numerous rivers, streams and creeks. It provides potable water for domestic, agricultural and other uses to more than one million inhabitants of Misamis Occidental and the eastern parts of Zamboanga del Norte and del Sur. The potable water from the park is a potential source of revenue for the government if properly managed and utilized.

On the other hand, the rivers and creeks coming from Mt. Malindang Range provide water for agricultural productions in the rice fields and lowland farms in the entire province of Misamis Occidental as well as the eastern parts of the two Zamboanga provinces. The forest in the range of about 33,000 hectares enhances cloud formation and collection and promotes regular rainfall for sustainable agriculture in upland areas. The regular rainfall also maintains the steady flow of the numerous rivers, creeks and wells. Aside from being the source of potable water, the park is also the sanctuary of insects, birds and other wildlife species that pollinate the plants and control the number of destructive farm insects and pests.

Moreover, the forest of Mt. Malindang Range Natural Park has contributed much in maintaining the health of the local people through the following:

1. By providing clean water for drinking, domestic and other uses.
2. By absorbing carbon dioxide (about 200,000 tons per year) from and releasing oxygen (about 146,000 tons per year) to the atmosphere.
3. By cooling the surroundings and reducing the effect of global warming.
4. By providing beautiful scenery and area for recreation.
5. By providing a source of food and medicine.

Being the highest mountain range in Zamboanga peninsula, Mt. Malindang Range Natural Park also serves as a protective barrier against storms and strong winds for Misamis Occidental and the neighboring provinces. It prevents soil erosion and landslide of sloping lands and hillsides and prevents or minimizes the occurrence of drought. It also checks air pollution and reduces the impact of global warming.