An ordinance was passed by the local government of Culion after I initiated a campaign with the assistance of Mr. John Lisboa, Ms. Karen Fami, RN Rachelle dela Cruz, Engr. Alex Mercado, Atty. Ronald Carandang and Dr. Paul Evangelista. Save the Cycas Wadei Campaign was conceptualized in New York City and was filtered to the whole world through the cyberspace and Culion on-line Group. Culion residents showed their support by signing the petition as well. The ordinance was unanimously approved by the members of the Sanggunian Bayan of Culion, Palawan last week. It is awaiting the mayoral signature for approval or denial. Protecting the Cycads is more than an ordinance. The taxon is endemic to Culion and letting it go extinct is synonymous to letting HOPE go. We need to educate people on its importance, history, protection, propagation and conservation. Enforcement of the laws governing the endangered flora should be made adequate. Unabashed extraction and excessive gathering should be halted. Excavating a matured Pitogo and moving it somewhere is prohibited by CITES, NIPAS and PAWB and should be prohibited by the local government as well. There should be an ongoing program for the protection, propagation and conservation by the Philippine government and other agencies concerned. We need all the support we can get from everywhere and everyone. My intent is the conservation, propagation and protection of the Cycas Wadei and its habitat and nothing else. I quoted all the ibat ibang batas to share information just in case some members do not know. I was ignorant of all these laws and articles before I became interested in the plight of the taxon. Not every one has access to the internet so I am making it easy for all. Dr. Paul utilized them during the process.
I know it is a local issue and I do not question that. If it was so why did it take a worldwide campaign to propel the Sanggunian Bayan of Culion, Palawan to pass an ordinance? May I know. Our campaign caught the attention of the Cycads Society of Hawaii, the Cycads Specialist Group of the International Union of the Conservation of Nature, the Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources of the Philippines, the Palawan Council for Sustainable Development and many private individuals all over the world. Dr. Wade was an American but it did not negate him and an American botanist, Mr. Merrill to introduce the Pitogo to the whole world in 1936. Perhaps the taxon is local and endemic to Culion but the concerns and supports are from all over the globe. Why can't we all work together in peace and unity for the betterment of the island we all love? We should all aim for harmony not discord so we can HELP Culion wherever we are in the world, Filipinos or naturalized citizens of other countries. In this Cycads campaign, I do not intend to work against anyone nor desire to destroy anyone's reputation. I am not against any person or group. I am for environmental greening. All I am concerned is the Culion Pitogo and the habitat. My sincere apology to anyone offended during this campaign. Please do not make it a personal issue. It is all about the CYCADS WADEI.
I know it is a local issue and I do not question that. If it was so why did it take a worldwide campaign to propel the Sanggunian Bayan of Culion, Palawan to pass an ordinance? May I know. Our campaign caught the attention of the Cycads Society of Hawaii, the Cycads Specialist Group of the International Union of the Conservation of Nature, the Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources of the Philippines, the Palawan Council for Sustainable Development and many private individuals all over the world. Dr. Wade was an American but it did not negate him and an American botanist, Mr. Merrill to introduce the Pitogo to the whole world in 1936. Perhaps the taxon is local and endemic to Culion but the concerns and supports are from all over the globe. Why can't we all work together in peace and unity for the betterment of the island we all love? We should all aim for harmony not discord so we can HELP Culion wherever we are in the world, Filipinos or naturalized citizens of other countries. In this Cycads campaign, I do not intend to work against anyone nor desire to destroy anyone's reputation. I am not against any person or group. I am for environmental greening. All I am concerned is the Culion Pitogo and the habitat. My sincere apology to anyone offended during this campaign. Please do not make it a personal issue. It is all about the CYCADS WADEI.