ILOILO City – Alarmed by mounting threats to endemic wildlife and fragile ecosystems in Western Visayas, the National Museum of the Philippines-Iloilo (NMP-Iloilo) has called for communities to actively protect the region’s rich but vulnerable natural heritage.
Marking the International Day for Biological Diversity recently, the museum stressed that biodiversity conservation must begin at the grassroots level.
It warned that many species and ecosystems in Negros, Panay and Guimaras could face greater risks if communities fail to understand the importance of environmental protection.
“Biodiversity conservation begins with understanding and appreciating the natural heritage found within our own communities. Let us be proactive in understanding our environment so we will be informed why we need to protect it,” NMP-Iloilo stated on Facebook.
NMP-Iloilo highlighted the urgent need for residents to appreciate the remarkable flora and fauna thriving in the Negros-Panay region, saying awareness and education are crucial in preserving ecosystems increasingly threatened by human activities and environmental degradation.
As part of the campaign, the museum is showcasing “Ámlig: Unveiling the Greatest Wonders of Negros-Panay,” an exhibition curated by the Zoology and Botany Divisions together with the National Herbarium.
The exhibit features the diverse terrestrial and marine ecosystems of Negros, Panay and Guimaras islands, including forests, mangroves, coral reefs and other habitats that support rare and endemic wildlife.
“From forest formations and endemic wildlife to mangroves, coral ecosystems, and the waters home to the Irrawaddy dolphins, the exhibition highlights the incredible wonders of Western Visayas and the urgent need to protect them,” NMP-Iloilo added.
Among the featured species are the Visayan leopard cat, Panay monitor lizard and Negros spotted kingfisher, which symbolize the region’s unique biodiversity and the need for stronger conservation efforts.
The museum said the exhibition also promotes the concept of “pag-amlig,” which emphasizes caring for and safeguarding the environment for future generations.
NMP-Iloilo further underscored the important role of museums not only as repositories of historical artifacts but also as institutions promoting environmental awareness and conservation./PN
