Rasa Island in 10th Episode of Protected Areas Series

Senator Loren Legarda invites everyone to watch the 10th episode of the documentary series Our Fragile Earth: Protected Areas of the Philippines, featuring the Rasa Island Wildlife Sanctuary, onSaturday, February 10, 7:45 a.m., on ANC, the ABS-CBN News Channel.

Rasa island in Palawan is a protected nesting and breeding site for birds that are much sought after in the pet trade for their beauty and unusual ability to mimic the human voice.

“The Red-Vented Cockatoo exists only in the Philippines but their dwindling population has put them in the critically endangered status. There are 320 remaining Philippine Cockatoos in Rasa island and climate change further threatens them as the extensive dry seasons affects their breeding. The protection of the whole Rasa island is critical in the conservation of the Philippine Cockatoo, other birds and the ecosystems surrounding it,” said Legarda.

“As stewards of the environment, we have the duty and responsibility to ensure that the country’s rich natural heritage will not only exist in our books but live freely in the wild,” she added.

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 ANC, with replays every Sunday, 1:45 p.m.