MANILA, Oct. 14 (PNA) — The advocacy to protect Metro Manila’s lone bird sanctuary and one of the world’s most important wetlands gets a boost with Filipino artists expressing their support for the preservation and protection of the Las Pinas-Paranaque Critical Habitat and Eco-Tourism Area (LPPCHEA).
Senator Cynthia Villar who has been steadfast in defending the continuous existence of the habitat, expressed her appreciation to performer Lou Bonnevie and the Earth Day Jam Foundation for staging a concert at LPPCHEA.
“This is the kind of activity that we need in order to attract attention to the habitat and the need to protect it from the threat of reclamation,” Villar said in a statement.
“We recognize the need to popularize our advocacy to the masses so that more and more people will be interested in coming here and hopefully will take part in the effort to protect this haven of endangered bird species,” she added.
Bonnevie was joined by rock bands True Faith and Alamid and performed in a crowd of environmentalists, public servants and students right in the shores of LPPCHEA.
Before the concert, a walking tour was held around the Freedom Island and the Long Island where the lagoon frequented by migratory birds is located. Participants were also shown the many species of indigenous trees populating the area.
A coastal clean-up and tree-planting activity was also organized with the help of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources- National Capital Region.
“The cause to protect LPPCHEA should not only be shouldered by Las Pinas and Paranaque residents. We should all take part in making this habitat an urban destination for all Metro Manila dwellers to enjoy and be proud of,” the lady lawmaker pointed out.
LPPCHEA is a 175-hectare protected area situated in Manila Bay by virtue of Presidential Proclamation No. 1412. It is also Ramsar-listed as one of the world’s most important wetlands along with the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park in Palawan; the Tubbataha Reefs National Marine Park in Sulu; the Agusan Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary; the Naujan Lake National Park in Oriental Mindoro; and the Olango Island Wildlife Sanctuary in Cebu.
It is a favorite destination of bird watchers because endangered bird species such as the Black-Winged Stilt, Chinese Egret and the Philippine Duck are in the area. (PNA)