Bapa Mamangkas Mangatong is a simple 56-year old fisherfolk from Sitio Lower Silanga, Barangay Cuyapon, Kabacan, Cotabato. But unknown to most of us, he is a veteran fisher folk and an expert crocodile hunter in the Ligawasan Marsh.

 During the Community Consultations for the project, he was there sitting, quietly listening, and trying to understand what was going on – what the project was all about. The project staff noticed he wanted to talk, but hesitated because, he admitted later, he could not speak other language but Maguindanaon. He also could neither read nor write.

But, during the break,he could not contain himself and approached a project staff, asking “Sir, what can I do to help in the project?”. And went on introducing himself as a “along-time fisher born to a fisher folk family”; and the only means of living he knows is fishing. He affirmed what were disseminated and discussed during the group discussions: that the biodiversity of the Ligawasan Marsh is no longer the same as what it used to be in his younger years. The marsh then was bountiful, very rich in floral and fauna resources.

And then he admitted he used to catch crocodiles in the marsh and sell these to earn additional income. His income from regular fishing is insufficient to feed his family.When asked how many crocodile he caught, he just smiled and said he could not count them on his fingers.

Thus, during the organization and formation of the Project Implementation Team (PIT) in the Barangay level, Bapa Mamangkas was the first to volunteer as member of Bantay Pawas (Marsh Guardian), a committee or group formed to protect the remaining biodiversity of Ligawasan Marsh.   In his little way he would want the marsh’s biodiversity conserved and protected for his children and grandchildren to enjoy and live in. He fears the next generation will no longer see the fishes, birds,crocodiles, exotic plants and trees, and other endemic species uniquely present only in Ligawasan Marsh.

In the community meeting, it was not only Bapa Mamangkas who expressed support to the project; but also the Barangay officials, Purok leaders, Peoples Organization officers, the traditional landowners and claimants, and even the local members and commanders of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).