December From: Casper and Friends Aviary To: Designated Government Offices of the Philippines Subj: PETITION FOR WILDLIFE PROTECTION CAMPAIGN Dear Sir, I along with the attached letters of signature, are concerned individuals from around the globe. Endemic wildlife in the Philippines is precious and should be protected at all costs. There is wildlife in the Philippines found no where else in the world and it would be a tragedy to see it disappear. I the author of this letter am fully aware of the wildlife protection laws, programs, and agencies established in the Philippines. However, the establishment of such laws, agencies, and organizations do no good without the dissemination of information to the local populace. I understand the manpower shortages, the lack of funds for certain agencies, and huge land mass and area of responsibility concerned, but these policies, laws, and agencies are fighting a losing battle without proper dissemination. It is on a daily basis that I can drive the roads here in the country and see people set up along the roadside selling Blue Nape Parrots, Palawan Hill Mynas, Hanging Parrots, even Eagles and Hornbills. This is no Fault to the local DENR’s as they are strapped for manpower and I understand. There are people who still for the sport of it shoots birds such as Kites, Owls, and Egrets. Most of this due to their lack of understanding of the Laws and lack of understanding of the importance of this wildlife to this fragile eco-system. I approach people on a daily basis that are not aware of the laws, who are not aware of the importance of these animals to the eco system, and the importance of preserving them for future generations to enjoy. I have people now, young and old, who know these values and are turning wildlife over for care instead of trying to sell for personal gain, because they are aware. I understand there are great programs in Manila such as My Zoo foundation and others that cater to the schools and disseminate information, but the dissemination needs to be done in the outlying provincial areas of the Philippines where there is an abundance of wildlife. I understand that it is not feasible for them to conduct this; however there are DENR and other Government agencies in virtually every town in the Philippines. To have just one of these individuals conduct short informative classes once or twice a week at local schools would make a great impact. Here in Bataan I am constantly receiving wildlife that should never have been picked up in the first place. These are caring and concerned citizens, and I applaud them for their compassion, however they don’t realize that some infant wildlife left alone are not abandoned in all instances. They don’t realize the consequences of killing raptors, not only the consequence to themselves, but the consequences to the eco system. I would like to respectfully propose the Philippine Government immediately start a mass media information campaign and get the word out. Television information campaigns, radio, and even newspaper to disseminate to the local populace would be a major asset in your favor. The general public can be informed through teaching throughout the schools from entry to college level classes. All it would take is a DENR representative or another local Government Official to visit a local school one or two days a week and disseminate information as to the wildlife in the Philippines and the importance of protecting it. Children are fast learners and once they hear the information it will stick with them. It takes nothing more than a DENR official or other knowledgeable person, to give a 20 or 30 minute speech or presentation. This information should include, but not limited to: 1. Brief synopsis of Endemic Philippine Wildlife common to the geographic area 2. Importance of described wildlife to the eco system 3. What to do with abandoned wildlife i.e. contact DENR or in the instance of fledgling owls, leave them if no apparent danger, parents will return to feed them. 4. Basic laws and penalties for illegal wildlife possession, trading, and killing. There are so many ways to get the word out to the people and it is not being done. The Laws established do no good just sitting on paper or buried in a file somewhere. For the sake of the wildlife and their protection, information dissemination needs to be done and done immediately. Please, for the sake of the wildlife, the sake of the people, and for the future generations of both, at least start educating the children and colleges so we will have something for our future generations to enjoy. In closing I would like to say that there are many good NGO’s and other organizations doing great work in this area, but like me, are limited as to what is possible to do. Information and education to the general public by the Philippine Government is the responsibility of the Government. Thank you for your time, and I speaking for the concerned people here and abroad, hope to see a difference being made. Dannie R Brimmer Founder/Director Casper and Friends Aviary DENR Accredited Wildlife Rescue www.casper-and-friends.com
		This is planned on being sent to DENR, Dept of Education, Dept of Agriculture, and every other Government Office I can get an address on.