𝐏𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐰𝐚𝐧 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐥 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐒𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐩𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐟𝐟 𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐬 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐜𝐮𝐞𝐝 𝐩𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐧 𝐨𝐧 𝐕𝐚𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐞’𝐬 𝐃𝐚𝐲

𝐅𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝟏𝟒, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒- Palawan Council for Sustainable Development Staff (PCSDS) Wildlife Enforcement Officers (WEOs) received a rescued pangolin from spouses Henry and Rodelyn Marcos. The pangolin was spotted by the spouses along the road in Brgy. Mangingisda, Puerto Princesa City.

According to the Marcoses, they encountered the pangolin around 6 a.m. as it was crossing the road. Concerned for its safety, especially from potential harm by dogs, they promptly decided to turn over the animal to the PCSDS. Remarkably, despite encountering attempts by others to take possession of the pangolin, the Marcoses stood firm in their decision to ensure the creature’s welfare, demonstrating exemplary compassion and responsibility this Valentine’s Day.

This timely rescue aligns with the global celebration of World Pangolin Day, observed annually on the third Saturday of February. Pangolins, often referred to as “scaly anteaters,” face numerous threats, including habitat loss and illegal trafficking for their scales, which are falsely believed to have medicinal properties.

The pangolin is listed as “Critically Endangered Species” under PCSD Resolution No. 23-967 (unpubl.).

The PCSDS encourages fellow citizens who happen to encounter any live wildlife to leave them alone in their natural habitat. However, if said animal is under or poses an immediate risk, only then could they be turned over to our office or seek assistance by calling our hotlines: PCSDS Wildlife Enforcement Unit (WEU) at 0931-964-2128 (Smart), or the PCSDS Front Desk hotline at 0970-302-8554 (Smart) and Landline (048) 434-4235 / 434-4234. PCSDS can also be reached through Facebook (pcsd7611), Instagram (pcsd_ra7611), and Twitter (@pcsds7611).

As the world celebrates World Pangolin Day, let us reflect on the significance of protecting these remarkable creatures and redouble our efforts to safeguard their future for generations to come.