BAMBAN, Tarlac – Conservation – especially of freshwater turtles – got a big push here as a non-government organization made it its prime advocacy.
The Junior Chamber International Philippines (JCI)-Bamban Kayabe, together with Bamban Historical Society spearhead ‘Oplan Sagip Kalikasan’ with focus on freshwater turtles abundant in the area, benefiting the entire Aeta communities as well as the upland terrain of Bamban comprising of some 3,000 residents.
Eighteen volunteers conducted a two-yea community activity which was finished this month. The advocacy however continues, said JCI member and head and founder of Bamban Historical Society Ronnie dela Cruz.
“We have planned series of activities aimed at implementing conservation and preservation of wildlife in the river-valleys of Bamban covering the Aeta domain including the setting up of wildlife sanctuary at Tiayag, Sitio Sta. Rosa, Bamban,” disclosed De la Cruz.
He added that campaign materials like tarpaulin on strategic locations were placed as part of their public dissemination efforts.
According to him, the education campaign to protect the wildlife across the Aeta communities could also protect their natural heritage. The local government, Bamban Aeta Tribal Organization, as well as the Bamban Historical Society have joined hands to make the conservation program work..
‘Oplan Sagip Kalikasan’ was originally proposed by De la Cruz with the assistance of current JCI-Bamban President, Andrew Manabat.
The natural habitat of the freshwater turtles lies in an the area owned by an Aeta tribesman named Pan Paruman. De la Cruz, himself an Aeta advocate, said a conservation site needed to be declared there to ensure the safety of the animals from poachers and pet collectors.
“It is necessary that proper legislation be enacted by the local government of Bamban and Baranggay San Vicente in order to impose penalties on those destroying the habitat of the freshwater turtles as well as other endemic fauna.”
The freshwater turtles, considered a delicacy in the lowlands, are now closely watched and protected both by the site owners as well as the NGOs.
“Still, stronger legislation and local executive action are needed to really conserve and protect them,” De la Cruz said.
The Junior Chamber International Philippines (JCI)-Bamban Kayabe, together with Bamban Historical Society spearhead ‘Oplan Sagip Kalikasan’ with focus on freshwater turtles abundant in the area, benefiting the entire Aeta communities as well as the upland terrain of Bamban comprising of some 3,000 residents.
Eighteen volunteers conducted a two-yea community activity which was finished this month. The advocacy however continues, said JCI member and head and founder of Bamban Historical Society Ronnie dela Cruz.
“We have planned series of activities aimed at implementing conservation and preservation of wildlife in the river-valleys of Bamban covering the Aeta domain including the setting up of wildlife sanctuary at Tiayag, Sitio Sta. Rosa, Bamban,” disclosed De la Cruz.
He added that campaign materials like tarpaulin on strategic locations were placed as part of their public dissemination efforts.
According to him, the education campaign to protect the wildlife across the Aeta communities could also protect their natural heritage. The local government, Bamban Aeta Tribal Organization, as well as the Bamban Historical Society have joined hands to make the conservation program work..
‘Oplan Sagip Kalikasan’ was originally proposed by De la Cruz with the assistance of current JCI-Bamban President, Andrew Manabat.
The natural habitat of the freshwater turtles lies in an the area owned by an Aeta tribesman named Pan Paruman. De la Cruz, himself an Aeta advocate, said a conservation site needed to be declared there to ensure the safety of the animals from poachers and pet collectors.
“It is necessary that proper legislation be enacted by the local government of Bamban and Baranggay San Vicente in order to impose penalties on those destroying the habitat of the freshwater turtles as well as other endemic fauna.”
The freshwater turtles, considered a delicacy in the lowlands, are now closely watched and protected both by the site owners as well as the NGOs.
“Still, stronger legislation and local executive action are needed to really conserve and protect them,” De la Cruz said.
