The signatures were in and history was made.
Confiscated, abandoned or donated wild animals will soon find a home in the City of Tagum where they will be quarantined and properly cared for after the city government of Tagum and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Region 11 inked a memorandum of agreement which paved the way for the establishment of Region 11’s first wildlife rescue center.
To be located inside the still to be developed 5.6-hectare Bird Park in Sitio Mandapaan in Barangay New Balamban, the wildlife rescue center will be managed by the DENR through the Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau with the assistance of the City Environment and Natural Resources Office and the City Veterinary Office.
Tagum City mayor Rey T. Uy led the simple signing ceremony in his office with DENR 11’s regional technical director Emmanuel E. Isip representing regional executive director Jim O. Sampulna last July 5. Also present during the signing was city councilor Frank Remitar who also chairs the committee on environment and natural resources of the 5th City Council.
Under the MOA, both parties agreed to take temporary custody and care of all retrieved, abandoned, donated and/or confiscated wildlife to ensure their welfare and to showcase endemic animals in the region as well as to promote ecotourism for the residents and tourists of the city.
An allocation of 2.5 million pesos from the budget of DENR 11 fund the establishment of the facility which will include a laboratory, administration building, reptiles’ and birds’ cages.
The establishment of the facility is pursuant to Section 32 of Republic Act No. 9147 otherwise known as the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act. [Louie Lapat/Edwin of CIO Tagum]
