Tourists are now allowed to visit the Sibalom Natural Park (SNP) situated about 12 kilometers away from the town proper of the municipality of Sibalom.
SNP Protected Area superintendent Anthony Evangelio, in an interview on Friday, said several activities were restricted following its declaration as a natural park through Republic Act 11038 in 2018.
The natural park, now teeming with endangered and endemic plants and animal species, is located at the 6,778.44 hectares area in Mt. Porras in Barangay Imparayan. It was opened as a tourist attraction starting March 1, 2022.
“Tourists would be able to see the world’s largest flower Rafflesia, which is now blooming at the SNP,” he said.
The reddish-orange colored rare Rafflesia speciosa could expand up to 56 centimeters (22 inches) in diameter when in full bloom and considered as the world’s largest flower.
It was discovered by the Antique Outdoors – a group of conservationists in the province – in 2000 growing inside the SNP.
Dr. Julie Barcelona, who hails from Sibalom and works as botanist at the Philippine National Herbarium of the National Museum of the Philippines in Manila, named the flower as Rafflesia speciosa.
The natural vegetation also allows the Visayan Warty Pig, Visayan Tarictic Hornbill, and Visayan Spotted Deer to thrive in the area.
“Huge century old trees like the Laua-an species had been preserved in the area,” he said.
Currently, 80 Bantay Gubat personnel of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) patrol the area to help in the conservation and protection of the species.
They will also act as tour guides so that the visitors would be able to see the rare flower and the endangered species only within the designated areas.
Filipino tourists will be charged an entrance fee of PHP30 for adults and PHP15 for students and PHP100 for foreigners who would like to enjoy the thrilling adventure and unique experience at the SNP.
Amenities such as picnic tables, gazebos, and cottages for families and small groups who would like to hold meetings or stay overnight are also available in the area. (PNA)