Coron Island in 4th Episode of Protected Areas Series

Senator Loren Legarda invites everyone to watch the fourth episode of the documentary series Our Fragile Earth: Protected Areas of the Philippines, which features the beautiful and pristine island of Coron in Palawan.

“Coron Island is simply a paradise. It boasts of limestones that are 216 million years old with unique ‘karst’ topography, crystal clear lakes and lagoons, and virgin beaches where one can sink his or her tired feet in warm, powdery white sand. It is a place where anyone gets a soul-soothing view of the sun setting in the horizon,” Legarda said.

“These and more have attracted wanderers and investors to Coron Island, but it is this attraction that threatens the very beauty and immaculate condition of Coron. Its rich biodiversity and the profound culture of its indigenous communities remain endangered as interest to develop the island increases,” she added.

“This is the predicament Coron Island faces, and it is one that is communicated in the fourth episode of Our Fragile Earth for the public to recognize the effects of the harm being done to our environment and to seek help to ensure that we maintain ecological balance,” Legarda explained.

The protected areas documentary series was narrated and conceptualized by Legarda, directed by Brillante Mendoza and produced by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

“This series aims to educate citizens on our protected areas, which are critical in conserving our biodiversity that is essential to our existence and survival. Through this documentary series, Filipinos will learn more about our protected areas—the richness of these areas and the challenges in conservation. We want Filipinos to appreciate the unique natural heritage that we have and enjoin everyone to protect them,” said Legarda.

Protected areas are identified portions of land and water set aside by reasons of their unique physical and biological significance, managed to enhance biological diversity and protected against destructive human exploitation. There are 240 identified protected areas in the country.

Our Fragile Earth: Protected Areas of the Philippines airs every Saturday, 7:45 a.m., on the ABS-CBN News Channel (ANC), with replays every Sunday, 1:45 p.m.