PEF puts Davao Region's wildlife in spotlight

DAVAO CITY – The Philippine Eagle Foundation (PEF) will spearhead “Wildlife is Here” to cast a spotlight on the unique wildlife species found in Davao Region's forests and marine environment.

In partnership with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Region 11 (DENR-11) and the Whitley Fund for Nature (WFN), PEF said it will hold a series of events from March 4 to 9 that will showcase the importance of often overlooked species of birds, beetles, butterflies, and marine wildlife found in the Davao Gulf.

PEF Communications Officer Nelizza Marzo said "Wildlife is Here" is in line with the United Nations (UN) World Wildlife Day celebrated globally every March to commemorate the signing date of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) of Wild Flora and Fauna.

The convention unites 169 countries in the protection of the world's wildlife.

Marzo said PEF and partners will also unveil an interactive exhibit on Sunday that will feature species of birds, beetles, butterflies and marine animals found in the Davao Region. The exhibit will run until March 9 at SM Lanang Premier.

Other activities include the Public Talks at the Malayan Colleges Mindanao (MCM) Auditorium on March 5 with discussion on the Green and Blue Spaces of Davao City by Marigelaine Arguillas, DENR-11 chief of Protected Area Management and Biodiversity Section; forest restoration by Rich Paul Cosio, the watershed management officer of the Energy Development Corporation; Ecological Importance of Wildlife Species by Dr. Jade Badon; Martin Pineda on Birds; Dr. Analyn Cabras on Beetles; and Jose Ricky Biyo on marine animals.

PEF is also hosting the "Nature Contact" from March 6 to 8 at the Philippine Eagle Center.

Marzo said the PEF created "Nature Contact" to offer to the youth a firsthand experience with nature through fun learning experiences to instill conservation values.

She said the activity is open to students from Grade 6 to senior high school with a registration fee of PHP250 per participant. The fee will go to the PEF's Open Classroom Program fund to develop educational materials and activities for public school students in Malagos, Baguio District.

The 2nd Regional Wildlife Summit will also be held at the University of the Philippines-Mindanao spearheaded by the University's Alpha Phi Omega-Lambda Nu Chapter in partnership with PEF on March 9.

It will feature the 5th Regional Wildlife Quizbowl; a wildlife photography contest among students; and a short film-making competition for high school and college students. (PNA)