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Tawi-Tawi has been one focus of this celebration because
it has one of the most important coastal wetlands in the
Philippines because of its rich biodiversity and
extensive mangrove, seagrass and coral reef ecosystems.
However, this is also one of the most threatened
wetlands due to destructive fishing activities,
quarrying of corals, over-harvesting of mangrove
forests, brought about by the increasing coastal
population.
There were presentations on
various topics such as the state of the Philippine environment;
importance, values and benefits from wetlands, and what the
youth can do to protect our wetlands. These aimed to mobilize the youth into action
through undertaking activities towards wetlands conservation
work. This information and dissemination campaigns were done in
different schools in Bongao, Languyan and Sitangkai.
A quiz show and a poster making
contest were also held as part of the celebration. The
quiz bee aimed to test the knowledge acquired by the youth
on wetlands, the Philippine environment and marine biodiversity.
The poster making contest capped the final activity for the day,
allowing the children to express their understanding of wetlands
in artistic form.
To raise the awareness of the community
on the values and benefits of wetlands, prominent environment
management persons made themselves available for interview in radio
programs of DXGD and Radio ng Bayan. PENRO Hadji Jonel Moh.
Monel and Prof. Filemon G. Romero of WWF and SCPW explained on air
the importance of wetlands and the rationale of the celebration.
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