some thoughts on conservation work and other news

I've had one of the rarest opportunities to witness the existence of some of the most critically endangered endemic wildlife of the Polillo Islands--not to mention in the world. Just a few days ago, I was out on fieldwork, mapping one of the forest habitats in the area, considered as the last remaining refuge of these threatened wildlife. And in that sojourn, one of the local guides I was with, Mang Enteng, was happy to point out to me the Polillo Green-scaled Gecko which was resting on a pandan leaf. It was an exhilarating moment to be able to see one of those rare geckos in my lifetime as well as hear one of the locals show so much knowledge on their island's natural treasures.

Let me point you out to the poster here showing some of Polillo's wildlife. I've had the chance of seeing the monitor lizard and the gecko, and hear the hornbill and the cockatoo calling. Not all at one time though, and each one was because the local guides I was with on several occasions called my attention about those creatures' presence during our trek. So far, it's 2 out of 5 for me on visual contact with these species.


I am neither a biologist nor do I even claim to know anything about these species beyond their names or where they can be found locally. But my involvement in conservation work in the Philippines in the past 5 years was enough to put a sense of ownership in me, a desire to conserve and protect my country's natural heritage. While I am not an expert in knowing their ecology or any of their scientific characteristics, I've decided to take part in my country's environmental movement in saving these species and their habitats for the future generations. My realization out of that day's hike in the forests of Polillo made me think about the children I intend to have in the future to come. It sounds absurd but I'd like to hope they will still enjoy the same things I am enjoying right now: like when I am in the embrace of nature--to be able to breathe fresh air, climb trees and hike mountains, cross clear and sparkling waters of rivers, and sometimes just enjoy and be taken away by great views of nature's landscapes.

But I believe it's going to take more than just hoping for me to make this happen; it's going to take more than being just a spectator. Unless I do what I can and be actively involved in protecting the environment, then I can be assured that at least I contributed to making things happen. I've learned that the Philippines is considered as the hottest of the hotspots in the world, even much more important than Brazil or Madagascar in terms of endangered species and habitats on a per square meter basis. In the coming years, I believe the environment will play an even more critical role, if not become more intertwined, in ushering sustainable development in the Philippines. Like water, for example. Nobody could've probably thought that the world would come to an age where clean drinking water will be a valuable commodity that's being sold at the local supermarket. Water supply for metropolitan Manila is running out and other sources are being tapped to augment the water needs of Filipino populations in Manila for the next 25-30 years. Securing the country's natural resources for this generation and the next is of utmost priority.

In the coming months, our team composed of different specialists in conservation work will be working hand-in-hand with local governments in the Polillo Islands on creating management systems and establishing local conservation areas that would safeguard the unique biodiversity of the island. Even the local communities themselves are involved. Truly an exciting time.

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On another note, I was watching the Pacquiao-Larios boxing match while writing this. The shouting and cheering inside our house (and even from our neighbors) was deafening. My kakabayan, Manny Pacquiao, won by unanimous decision! Galing! I applaud Larios as well for showing genuine sportsmanship and being a noble competitor.

My cousin, Gabe, finally made it back to Manila for his summer program with the Ayala Foundation. Looks like his work itinerary in the coming weeks is packed with loads of travel to do community work in several parts of the Philippines. We've met a few times already although not as much as we'd like to. Apparently, the Ayala program has restrictions on fellows meeting with family here for the purpose of keeping them focused with their NGO work. I can't wait for our upcoming discussions regarding his thoughts on his travels, on conservation work, and his experience this time on the Filipino way of life. More on that to come.

Finally, I've seen Superman Returns with the same excitement I've felt when I first saw Christopher Reeves play the part in Superman I back in my childhood. Thanks to Rina, she got us tickets in advance--2nd row seats at Greenbelt 3 during the 2nd showing day after I got back from Polillo. All I can say is that I'm definitely watching it again, and that Brandon Routh played Superman/Kal-el/Clark Kent really well.

[Image credits: Polillo Island Project, Oxford-UPLB , 2001]