Bulacan: The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) 3 has successfully documented the Biak-na-Bato Limestone Frog, classified as vulnerable, within the Biak-na-Bato National Park. This finding highlights the ecological significance of the park's cave and limestone ecosystems.

According to Philippines News Agency, the discovery was made by staff from the Protected Area Management Office and interns from Bulacan State University during a Biodiversity Monitoring System - Field Diary activity. The frogs, scientifically known as Platymantis biak, were located in the Suklib Kabayo Cave, about 69 meters from the main entrance, where they were found settled in depressions on a cave pillar. This observation was confirmed by Dennis Vergara, head of the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office in Baliwag, Bulacan.

DENR-3 Director Ralph Pablo emphasized the importance of the discovery, noting that it highlights the need for ongoing conservation efforts to protect the forest and cave ecosystems within the protected area. "The presence of the Biak-na-Bato Limestone Frog within the protected area underscores the ecological importance of our caves and forest ecosystems. This serves as a reminder that our conservation efforts must remain steadfast to ensure the survival of vulnerable and endemic wildlife species," Pablo stated.

The Biak-na-Bato Limestone Frog is a terrestrial amphibian endemic to Luzon. It is typically found in secondary-growth forests and limestone cave systems. The species is listed as vulnerable under DENR Administrative Order 2019-09 and is classified as near threatened on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List due to ongoing threats to its habitat.