Pawikans in danger of extinction
- BABY TURTLE. A baby turtle about to be released at All Hands Beach inside the Subic Bay Freeport. Beach management has made it a policy to provide haven for nesting turtles and hatchlings as part of its corporate social responsibility program. SBN/VVVphoto
To enlighten the public on the critical role of pawikan in the ecosystem, Senator Loren Legarda will fund the construction of an audiovisual room in the Pawikan Conservation Center (PCC) after she disclosed that the marine reptiles in the country are “in danger of becoming extinct.”
The chair of the Senate Committee on Climate Change cited a report from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources which said 90 percent of coral reefs in the country are either dead or dying. Pawikans are vital to restoring these reefs as their manure serves as nutrient in the ocean and fertilizer in sea grass beds which, along with coral reefs, are the home and nesting sites of fishes.
“Pawikans are majestic creatures found throughout the country. However, because of poaching, theft of their eggs for commercial purposes, and destruction of their habitat, they are in danger of becoming extinct,” Legarda said.
With this, Legarda announced during the recently concluded Pawikan Festival in Morong town that she will help build an audiovisual room in PCC and create a documentary on the importance of the marine reptile. This will be complemented by educational tours in the center, bringing in students and tourists across the country, she added.
Bataan Tourism Council Foundation, Inc. Chair Vicky Garcia said this project will help the provincial government inform the people of the dire state of pawikans since only one survives out of the average 100 eggs laid. “In the planned audiovisual room, the guests will be shown the life cycle of a pawikan and their importance in the ocean,” said Garcia.
Legarda also said that she plans to provide one classroom to each of the 11 towns and city of Bataan through the help of Representative Albert Garcia. “We will continue working with Senator Loren.She has various plans for our province and as an environmentalist, she will be of great help,” said the lawmaker.
Board Member Dexter Dominguez and Balanga City Mayor Jose Enrique Garcia III also extended their gratitude to the senator. (CLJD/JMG-PIA 3)
