Protection of endangered Negros bleeding heart pigeon gets support

MANILA, Philippines - CEMEX Philippines Foundation Inc. has adopted the Negros bleeding heart pigeon, one of the most critically endangered animals in Negros.

“We continue to promote a robust program in species conservation and we include this year our support for the protection and conservation of the Negros bleeding heart pigeon,” foundation president Paul Vincent Arcenas said.

The beautiful and colorful species is aptly called for its red patch on its breast.

“Since the species is critically endangered, many a heart would bleed if the bird becomes extinct due to mankind’s unabated destruction of its forest habitat,” Arcenas said.

In partnership with the Negros Forests and Ecological Foundation Inc., the foundation recently organized a donor’s forum to raise funds for the protection of these birds, as well as the conservation efforts of NFEFI.

The donor’s forum encouraged other organizations to support efforts in the protection and conservation of the environment and wildlife of Negros.

“CEMEX’s support is very timely and well appreciated as this will go a long way in saving our environment so future generations can enjoy their birthright to a beautiful planet,” Paul Lizares, NFEFI president, said.

“We are in danger of running out of time. We must all pull together and act before it’s too late,” Lizares added.

Part of the funds raised during the forum will help the NFEFI’s Biodiversity Conservation Center to continue and expand its work of keeping and breeding rare species, some of which are almost at the brink of extinction.

The center is one of the country’s leading breeding centers and home to 120 endangered animals and birds.

To date, the CEMEX Philippines Foundation has adopted for protection the whale sharks of Donsol, Sorsogon and the Philippine tarsiers in Bohol, in partnership with Conservation International Philippines and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau.