PROTECTING OUR WILDLIFE PROTECTED AREAS

PROTECTING OUR WILDLIFE PROTECTED AREAS The Philippines is a biodiversity hotspot, home to countless endemic species and rich ecosystems. However, despite the establishment of wildlife protected areas, our ability to safeguard these critical habitats remains questionable. The former Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau (PAWB) has been renamed the Biodiversity Management Bureau (BMB), signaling a broader scope in conservation efforts. But does this rebranding come with increased funding? Unfortunately, the budget allocation appears to remain limited, raising concerns about the bureau’s capacity to effectively carry out its mandate. Another critical issue is the absence of a structured and active captive breeding program for endangered wildlife species. Apart from the efforts dedicated to the Philippine Eagle, there appears to be little to no government-driven initiatives for other at-risk species. This is a missed opportunity, as many public and private zoos globally have taken up the role of breeding endangered animals to ensure their survival. Ironically, our so-called "protected" areas are often porous, allowing poachers and illegal hunters easy access. If we cannot even safeguard these designated zones, how can we expect to protect our wildlife? Stronger enforcement and stricter penalties are needed to address these breaches. A major gap exists at the local government level. Not all LGUs have their own veterinarians, which is alarming given their responsibility to support poultry and livestock industries. Beyond economic concerns, the absence of veterinarians means that local governments cannot provide essential veterinary care for stray animals and, more importantly, for wildlife in their jurisdictions. It is reasonable to expect LGUs to extend veterinary care to endangered wildlife, given their role in environmental governance. A recent incident in Negros Island caught my attention—a rare Visayan leopard cat was captured. Upon further research, I found that while a small population of these cats exists in captivity, no active breeding programs are in place. Why are we not making more efforts to protect and repopulate this species? If other countries, like Australia, are investing in reviving extinct species such as the Tasmanian Tiger, surely, we can take steps to bolster the dwindling numbers of the Visayan Leopard Cat before it faces extinction. It does not matter whether the government or private institutions take the lead in these breeding initiatives. If private organizations, like Zoomanity, are already excelling in caring for species such as tigers, why not fund them to spearhead breeding programs? Collaboration between the public and private sectors could yield much-needed conservation successes. Beyond breeding programs, the fundamental issue remains: how do we ensure the protection of our protected areas? Should we mobilize the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) to monitor these zones more effectively? Should we introduce higher rewards for those who report and apprehend violators? Our endemic birds also deserve more attention. While the Philippine Eagle receives considerable conservation efforts, other species like the Palawan Pheasant and the Philippine Duck also require urgent protection. If we do not act now, we risk losing these irreplaceable species forever. Encouragingly, some private initiatives have shown promise. For instance, the SM Group purchased a piece of land in Cavite that serves as a habitat for giant clams (Taklobo) and has successfully protected it. This model of private conservation should be encouraged and supported by the government. The Philippines boasts an impressive network of 244 protected areas, including national parks, marine reserves, and wildlife sanctuaries. Among the most notable are the Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center, Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, and the Philippine Eagle Center. While these areas play a crucial role in conservation, they require better funding, stronger enforcement, and greater community involvement to be truly effective. If we are serious about conserving our biodiversity, we must take decisive action. Whether through government programs, private sector involvement, or stronger enforcement measures, the protection of our wildlife and their habitats should be a national priority. Let’s not wait until it’s too late. Ramon Ike V. Seneres, www.facebook.com/ike.seneres iseneres@yahoo.com, 09088877282, senseneres.blogspot.com 04-23-2025