Monday, November 05, 2007 Negros observes Wildlife Month
NOVEMBER has been designated as Negros Wildlife Month. It aims to increase awareness among Negrenses on the need to protect and conserve the diverse, colorful, and remarkable local wildlife of the island.
This will be the first island-wide celebration of Negros wildlife with collaborative activities organized in both provinces.
The program kicks off on Tuesday, November 13, with an “Animals of Negros” foot parade in Bacolod City featuring representatives from local schools and government and non-government organizations dressed in costumes to show many of the endangered species of Negros including rare hornbills, spotted deer, and leopard cats.
Other activities include an extemporaneous speech contest on different environmental topics; an environment-themed essay-writing contest for high school students and a junk art and banner contest.
Highlight of the month's celebrations will be the first Negros Occidental Wildlife Quiz Bowl with competing teams from high schools from throughout the province. Winners will then compete with teams from Negros Oriental in the first Negros Island Wildlife Conservation Quiz Bowl to be held at Dumaguete City.
The month’s activities will culminate on November 29 with a Cultural Night featuring performers from different schools in Bacolod City.
Negros wildlife Month is organized by The Negros Forests and Ecological Foundation, Inc (NFEFI) in association with the Governor's Office through the Provincial Environment Office, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, La Consolacion College-Bacolod, West Negros College, and Silliman University-Center for Tropical Conservation Studies in Dumaguete City.
NFEFI chairman Gerry Ledesma said: "Negros wildlife is in grave danger because of illegal trafficking, hunting and loss of habitat. We hope the month's activities will help Negrenses understand why everyone including individuals, companies, schools and local government units must take steps now to protect and conserve wildlife before it's too late."
