Photo Release

LPPCHEA BIRD WATCHING: Senator Cynthia A. Villar enjoys an afternoon of bird waching with members of Wild Bird Club of the Philippines at Las Piñas-Parañaque Critical Habitat and Eco-Tourism Area (LPPCHEA), included in the Ramsar List of Wetlands of International Importance. The 175-hectare protected mangrove forest and marine habitat in the cities of Las Piñas and Parañaque, serves as sanctuary for 84 bird species, including indigenous and migratory birds from as far as Siberia. It is a haven to the globally-threatened species like the Philippine Duck, Chinese Egret and the Black-winged Stilt. The senator, a known environmental advocate, has been fighting to preserve LPPCHEA from all forms of threats, including its reclamation. Stressing that LPPCHEA serves as a natural barrier against storm surges and high tides and catchment for flood waters, she warned that reclaiming the area could lead to massive flooding in Las Piñas, Parañaque and the nearby Bacoor City in Caviite.