Sunday, January 27, 2008 MOA for bat research to be inked Feb. 1 By Grace L. Plata
A LOCAL bat conservation foundation is set to sign a memorandum of agreement with the University of the Philippines in Mindanao (UPMin) to partner in efforts to further research on bat conservation techniques on February 1.
This was announced Saturday by Monfort Bat Cave and Conservation Foundation Executive Director Norma Monfort during the culmination program of the First Philippine Bat Festival held at the Monfort Bat Conservation site in the Island Garden City of Samal (Igacos).
The festival is aimed at raising awareness on the importance of fruit bats - the kind that can be found in the Monfort property - to the ecosystem. The fruit bats are known pollinators and source of organic fertilizer called Guano. The bat colony in the 25-hectare property is known to be one of the biggest in the country with an estimate of 1.8 million residents.
Also part of the week-long festival, which opened on January 21 were the workshops on how to conduct researches or studies on bats, conservation techniques and advocacy campaign planning, and cave assessment.
Dr. David Waldean of Bat Conservation International based in Australia, which helped the Monforts set-up the conservatory 18 months ago, conducted the workshops.
Waldean, in his speech, said the type of response he has seen from the locals is invigorating.
"This is a tremendous contribution to the development of bat conservation in the Philippines," Waldean said.
A photo exhibit and contest, as well as water games such as kayak and bangka racing also livened up the festival.
