THE Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR has formally entered into a Wildlife Loan Agreement (WLA) with a private individual to help take care of two Philippine Crocodiles, enhancing biodiversity conservation.
The WLA was signed by DENR-Zamboanga Peninsula OIC-Executive Director Arturo Fadriquela and Jenevell Lamiing, owner of the receiving facility, a significant move toward strengthening wildlife conservation efforts.
"The agreement aims to enhance public awareness and contribute to national biodiversity preservation efforts," the DENR-Zamboanga Peninsula said in a statement on Friday, May 30, 2025.
Stipulated in the agreement signed last week, the Lamiing Private Facility in Guipos, Zamboanga del Sur will serve as the temporary custodial site for two Philippine Crocodiles, which cannot be released for the reason that there is no known area with a natural population within Zamboanga Peninsula, and the Regional Wildlife Rescue Center (RWRC) cannot accommodate them for now.
The DENR-Zamboanga Peninsula said the two Philippine Crocodiles will be housed under ex-situ conservation management, in compliance with existing environmental regulations and animal welfare standards.
The Ex-situ conservation management involves maintaining and breeding species outside their natural habitats, in controlled environments like zoos, botanical gardens, and gene banks.
The DENR-Zamboanga Peninsula said the agreement aligns with the agency's strategic objectives to optimize wildlife management protocols and streamline resource allocation by minimizing maintenance expenditures at the Regional Wildlife Rescue Center in Baclay village, Tukuran, Zamboanga del Sur.
Fadriquela regarded the WLA signing as a momentous event, especially given that not everyone shows interest in wildlife conservation.
Fadriquela said the agreement serves as a driving force for stronger partnerships, increased community involvement, and sustained efforts toward environmental stewardship throughout Zamboanga Peninsula.
He said the WLA supports the DENR's ongoing efforts to conserve and protect wildlife species in Zamboanga Peninsula, while fostering partnerships with private entities in providing suitable care for wildlife. (SunStar Zamboanga)