Summary
Highlights
The Agusan Marsh is a mysterious and vibrant wetland in the Philippines where highways are replaced by streams and the world breathes. Located in the Agusan River Basin, this 40,000-plus hectare wildlife sanctuary, a Ramsar Site, acts as a giant sponge to prevent floods in surrounding areas and is home to diverse wildlife and indigenous communities. However, it faces severe threats from pollution and climate change.
The Agusan Marsh is crucial for the entire Agusan River Basin, the third largest river system in the Philippines. It serves as a vital catch basin, protecting towns like Butuan from extreme flooding. Life in the region is inextricably linked to the marsh, emphasizing its indispensable role in the ecosystem and the livelihoods of its people.
Datu Artemio, a Lumad leader from Caimpugan peatland, highlights the deep cultural connection indigenous communities have with the marsh. The Lumad, one of the first waves of settlers in the Philippines, have preserved their pre-colonial culture. Their rituals, often blending with Catholic beliefs, demonstrate a profound respect for the land and are carried out to ensure safe passage and community acceptance. The peatland within the marsh is particularly significant, storing 30% of the world's carbon and playing a crucial role in mitigating climate change.
The marsh is threatened by climate change, pollution, and human abuse. Extreme river floodings have become more frequent, making locals realize the value of protecting the marsh as a natural dam. Organizations like The Society for the Conservation of Philippine Wetlands and the Protected Area Management Office (PAMO) mobilize 'Bantay Danao' volunteers to guard the marsh. Volunteers recall a time when the marsh was pristine, with abundant wildlife, now lamenting the changes caused by heat, invasive species, and fires. The vastness of the peatland makes patrolling difficult, and fires, exacerbated by rising temperatures, pose a significant risk.
The Manobo tribe resides in Panlabuhan, a floating village where homes are built on anchored bamboo platforms, rising and falling with the water. The marsh is their sole treasure, providing livelihood through fishing. However, they face challenges like invasive water hyacinths and the marsh getting smaller and drying up. Local tour guide Marites Babanto recalls a time when the marsh was a vast, clean, and bountiful area, now saddened by its degradation.
The Agusan Marsh gained notoriety with the capture of Lolong, the world's largest crocodile. However, it has a deeper history as a refuge for people, including Datu's grandparents during World War II. Ancestors of current residents adapted to the floods by building houses on rafts. Three generations later, descendants continue to call the marsh home, adapting to commercial interests, erratic weather, and external influences while fighting for their way of life and seeking recognition for their problems.
Indigenous community members express their desire for education for their children and emphasize the importance of honesty and kindness. They recognize the collective responsibility in protecting the marsh. While the national government encourages protection efforts, a comprehensive plan is still needed to secure the marsh as a protected zone. The community fears the marsh's disappearance and is thankful for the support from PAMO and local government in organizing Bantay Danao to safeguard their home for future generations.