DENR chief eyes improved NAPWC

Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Lito Atienza is eyeing the completion of an “improved” Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife Center in Quezon City on, or before Christmas this year, as he announced that they are set to start with the drawing of the blueprint for its redevelopment within the month.

Atienza said the detailed plan for the rehabilitation and improvement of the 22-hectare NAPWC should be accomplished during the first half of 2008 in order that the actual construction should start during the second half of the year.

According to Atienza, the rehabilitation of the NAPWC would intensify awareness of the public about a “very beautiful park filled with the richness of our environment” right in the heart of the metropolis.

He said that the rehabilitation and improvement of the facility would make the area “segmentized,” each portion showcasing the wealth of the country’s natural resources.

He believed that the redevelopment of NAPWC would eventually help increase consciousness of the people about the significance of caring for the environment.

“Once finished, this park could be the most exciting destination in Metro Manila,” Atienza said. “We will add more attractions here in the park in order that it will become more educational.”

Atienza said the vision of the agency in the rehabilitation and improvement of NAPWC is to make it “the model for other centers of flora and fauna” in the country, which would ultimately boost government campaign on the protection of the environment.

“It will become a very wholesome destination in the city where families and friends can bond while learning about the richness of our country’s environment,” the DENR chief said.

“The students, on the other hand, could learn so much from this facility. We would encourage them to make a tour of the park so they could see samples of trees and plants that are endemic in our country,” Atienza also said.

The NAPWC, which also serves as depository of rescued or recovered animals, was last rehabilitated during the term of former DENR Secretary Antonio Cerilles.

It currently has various species of plants and trees, butterflies and several endangered animals, which were rescued or recovered. However, it appeared “unattractive” over the years as the Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau (PAWB), which manages the facility, lacked funds to maintain it.

PAWB director Dr. Mundita Lim said that for the whole year 2007, the bureau only had a budget of P18 million, of which P4 million was earmarked for the maintenance of the facility and food of the animals. Lim said that the park only charges P10 per visitor.

So when asked about the funding for DENR’s grand project, Atienza said the agency would seek assistance from private companies, hoping to “take advantage of the fresh budget of corporations at this time of the year.”