Organized by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources- Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center (DENR-PWRCC) in collaboration with private and public sectors, the 28th Crocodile Conservation Week from March 6-11 features activities reflecting the protection and conservation efforts for crocodiles, as threats and abuse to their existence abound and are worsened by climate change and intrusive human activities.
PCSDS participated along with representatives from Philippine Air force, Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO), City ENRO (CENRO), Katala Foundation Inc (KFI)., Zoological Society of London (ZSL), Barangay Irawan, City tourism Office, AB Conservation, Western Command (WESCOM), Irawan National High School, City Traffic Management Office (CTMO), and Naval Research and Development Center (NRDC) in the Grand Motorcade Parade from Puerto Princesa City Baywalk to PWRCC to hit the celebration off.
In a message, PCSDS Director Levita A. Lagrada underscored the significance of crocodiles in the world ecosystems and of the celebration itself.
“Mahalaga ang crocodiles [dahil ito ay may] mahalagang ginagampanan sa pag me-maintain ng balanseng ekosistema sa karagatan. May mga pag-aaral po na nagsasabi na kung saan yung mga lugar na may maraming mga buwaya, doon mayabong yung fisheries. Again happy crocodile conservation sa lahat ng mga taga PWRCC, nakikiisa ang aming opisina [PCSD] sa mga gawain ninyo dito sa PWRCC,” she said.
On behalf of PCSD, PCSDS Director Lagrada also expressed the agency’s support for the celebration as it also complements Republic Act No. 9147 or Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act, in its objectives to achieve sustainable development in the province, such as establishing protection measures for endangered species such as the crocodiles.
“Naniniwala kami na ito ay naka attune din sa objectives ng Wildlife Act na conservation and management at the same time, towards sustainable development kung saan ay pino-promote din ng opisina through SEP framework,” she added.
