STA. CRUZ, Davao del Sur, July 18 – In a bid to strengthen the campaign in protecting the environment, Hedcor fabricated and installed man-made birds’ nests and bird houses in Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur through the company’s Birds’ Microhabitat Restoration Project.
Together with the students of Tudaya Elementary School, Tudaya National High School and Tibolo Elementary School, Hedcor successfully installed the man-made habitats in the backyards of these schools in support with the Hedcor’s Biodiversity Enhancement Program.
It will aid in the availability of suitable nesting sites for all birds.
The program aims to educate students about biodiversity conservation and inculcate in them love for nature.
The students will serve as the stewardess of these habitats. They will be the ones watching and monitoring the progress of these habitats. Students are required to list down their observations.
Dr. Roberto “Bo” Puentespina, Jr., a well-known veterinarian in Davao, joined Hedcor’s program as he showcased his talented birds to the students and teachers for them to appreciate the importance of biodiversity. The short program was conducted before the installation of the bird’s nests.
“As an animal advocate, I’m excited for this project. This is a big help to increase bird species in our area and also a good avenue for information dissemination to the community”, said Puentespina.
For the indigenous communities, some biological resources or sites are sacred and a source of cultural identity.
The establishment of birds’ nests and bird houses is seen as a meaningful activity as Mt. Apo Natural Park is the house of the national bird, the Philippine Eagle.
Studies had proven positive feedback of these man-made habitats, and increase in reproduction is one.
Though it cannot replace natural nesting habitats, they can increase the number of nesting sites available in the area.
“Hedcor cares for the environment. This is an additional initiative to our existing environmental activities like tree planting. We are continuously improving programs and activities to affirm our commitment in protecting and preserving the environment,” Hedcor community relations officer Lalaine Lonzaga stated.
Moving forward, Hedcor will soon conduct an inventory to identify the current status of biodiversity and wildlife.
This will determine the impacts of environmental programs that will guide to what other projects are still needed to promote biodiversity enhancement.
Hedcor, Inc. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Aboitiz Power owning and operating 19 run-of-river hydro-power plants in Benguet, Davao and Ilocos Sur with a total capacity of 155 MWs. (PR/Hedcor)
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