Las Piñas Parañaque Wetland Park

LOOK: Twenty-five volunteers from We Lift Club, a nonprofit organization focused on environmental awareness, conducted a successful cleanup on Freedom Island at the Las Piñas-Parañaque Wetland Park (LPPWP). They collected 78 sacks of waste, mostly plastic, totaling 437 kilograms. While coastal cleanups are vital for the park's health, the LPPWP Protected Area Management Office agrees with We Lift Club that waste reduction and proper management at the source are more effective long-term solutions to marine litter.

LOOK: The Protected Area Management Office of Las Piñas-Parañaque Wetland Park (LPPWP), along with representatives from the DENR Metropolitan Environmental Office-South (MEO-South), the City Environmental and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) of Pasay City, and the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA), conducted the 3rd Quarter Bird Counting and Monitoring at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA). Regular bird monitoring is vital for managing bird species in the area and ensuring passenger safety by identifying and mitigating risks such as bird strikes, while also supporting wildlife conservation efforts.

Forty-five volunteers from Eco Shift and the Rotaract Club of Changebringers conducted a cleanup on the coast of Freedom Island in the Las Piñas-Parañaque Wetland Park (LPPWP). Their combined efforts resulted in the recovery of 48 sacks of marine litter, weighing 322 kilograms, with 23 sacks containing plastic packaging materials. Plastic pollution severely threatens coastal and wetland environments, harming wildlife, disrupting ecosystems, and contributing to long-term environmental degradation. Addressing the issue of marine litter and plastic pollution is crucial to preserving these vital ecosystems and ensuring their future health.

LOOK: A Bakawan Warrior of Las Piñas-Parañaque Wetland Park (LPPWP) prepares wildlings of Dampalit (𝘚𝘦𝘴𝘶𝘷𝘪𝘶𝘮 𝘱𝘰𝘳𝘵𝘶𝘭𝘢𝘤𝘢𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘶𝘮) and Bagasua, or Beach Morning Glory (𝘐𝘱𝘰𝘮𝘰𝘦𝘢 𝘱𝘦𝘴-𝘤𝘢𝘱𝘳𝘢𝘦), for outplanting. These native plants, commonly found on sandy shores, play a vital role in controlling coastal erosion, providing habitat for wildlife, and contributing to nutrient cycling within the wetland ecosystem.

Isang pagbati mula sa Protected Area Management Office ng Las Piñas-Parañaque Wetland Park ngayong Pambansang Araw ng mga Bayani!

LOOK: Bakawan Warriors of the Las Piñas-Parañaque Wetland Park (LPPWP) collect water samples from the areas surrounding the wetland. These samples are then taken to the laboratory for analysis, specifically to check for pollutants such as heavy metals and other harmful chemicals. Regular water sampling is crucial for effectively managing wetlands, particularly in highly urbanized areas, as it helps monitor the ecosystem's health and detect potential threats that could harm wildlife and degrade water quality.

After collecting water samples, the Bakawan Warriors wash and disinfect their hands and equipment to ensure safety and prevent contamination, reducing the risk of exposure to harmful substances and maintaining the integrity of the data collected.

Calling all Wetland Heroes and Cleanup Volunteers! Are you ready to make waves for our planet and help tackle pollution in our seas? Then rally your family, friends, and colleagues to join the 39th International Coastal Cleanup at the Las Piñas-Parañaque Wetland Park (LPPWP) on September 21, 2024.

Hurry, as spots are limited—scan the QR Code and register now to secure your place in the biggest cleanup effort!

Members of the religious group Sonshine Philippines Movement, Inc. conducted a cleanup on the shores of Long Island at the Las Piñas-Parañaque Wetland Park (LPPWP). They collected 477 sacks of marine litter, mostly plastic packaging, weighing 3,111 kilograms. Marine litter, especially plastic, poses a significant threat to wildlife, ecosystems, and human health, highlighting the urgent need for collective action across all sectors of society to address this environmental issue.

LOOK: Officers from the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) Parañaque Female Dormitory recently took a break from their duties to conduct a cleanup at the Las Piñas-Parañaque Wetland Park (LPPWP). The volunteers, including four female and two male officers, collected 12 sacks of marine litter weighing 57 kilograms from the shores of Freedom Island.

Volunteer efforts like these are crucial in addressing the issue of marine litter, but lasting change starts at home. By practicing the 3 Rs—Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle—we can all contribute to a cleaner environment and help protect our oceans and wetlands from pollution.

LOOK: More than a hundred students from the University of the Philippines (Official) | PUP Parañaque Campus visited the Las Piñas-Parañaque Wetland Park (LPPWP) to conduct a coastal cleanup as part of their Civic Welfare Training Service (CWTS). CWTS, a component of the National Service Training Program (NSTP), aims to enhance civic consciousness and defense preparedness among the youth. Under Republic Act 9163, students pursuing baccalaureate or vocational courses are required to undergo NSTP to graduate. CWTS plays a crucial role in developing environmental awareness and concern among the youth, encouraging them to actively participate in the protection and preservation of our natural resources.

LOOK: The Protected Area Management Office of the Las Piñas-Parañaque Wetland Park (LPPWP) conducted its 3rd Quarter Bird Counting and Monitoring on August 2, 2024, in preparation for the migration season. LPPWP is a critical stopover for migratory birds along the East Asian Australasian Flyway, making this monitoring essential for understanding the health of the park's wetland ecosystem. Birds serve as key indicator species, and tracking their populations helps us detect environmental changes that may require conservation efforts.

LOOK: Around 40 volunteers from Perfetti Van Melle (PVM), a well-known candy company, conducted a cleanup along the coast of Freedom Island at the Las Piñas-Parañaque Wetland Park (LPPWP). The team successfully recovered 66 sacks of marine litter, mostly plastics, weighing 421 kilos. This initiative, coordinated by GenerationHope, Inc., a non-government organization dedicated to environmental conservation, exemplifies Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in action, demonstrating how companies and organizations can actively address social and environmental challenges.

The Protected Area Management Office of LPPWP encourages other private companies and organizations to hold their CSR activities at LPPWP, where their efforts can have a meaningful impact on preserving our environment. For inquiries on volunteer and CSR activities, please email us at [email protected].

The Bakawan Warriors of Las Piñas-Parañaque Wetland Park (LPPWP) are working closely with the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) to install both commercial-grade and improvised oil spill booms at the south lagoon of the wetland park. This collaborative effort highlights the importance of a whole-of-society approach in responding to environmental crises like oil spills. We can significantly reduce the potential impact on our ecosystems by taking proactive measures, such as these installations. However, the DENR National Capital Region and the Protected Area Management Office of LPPWP cannot do this alone; we need the collective support and participation of every sector of society. We are deeply grateful to those who have generously donated coconut husks and other materials for the improvised oil spill booms, showing that we can achieve remarkable results when we work together.

LOOK: Student-trainees from the DENR Metropolitan Environmental Office-South (MEO-South) visited the Las Piñas-Parañaque Wetland Park (LPPWP) to learn about DENR National Capital Region’s efforts in protecting and conserving . Such exposure trips enhance the learning process by providing hands-on experience and a deeper understanding of the regional office's tasks and functions, bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application.

MEO-South is the field office of DENR National Capital Region covering the cities of Las Piñas, Parañaque, Muntinlupa, Taguig, and the municipality of Pateros.

LOOK: Kids from Las Piñas City learned about the importance of wetland ecosystems during their visit to the Las Piñas-Parañaque Wetland Park (LPPWP), as part of Senator Cynthia A. Villar's environmental advocacy program. Involving the youth in environmental advocacy is crucial, as it creates awareness and empowers them to become wetland heroes and future stewards of our natural resources.

In addition to lectures and discussions, participants in the "EcoCamp: Youth for Wetland Action" actively engaged in problem-solving activities, addressing issues such as marine pollution, habitat degradation, and other environmental challenges affecting LPPWP and the broader environment. This hands-on approach deepens their understanding and empowers them to think critically and develop innovative solutions, preparing them to take on future roles in conservation and sustainability efforts.

Participants of the "EcoCamp: Youth for Wetland Action," organized by the Protected Area Management Office of the Las Piñas-Parañaque Wetland Park (LPPWP), had the opportunity to engage in hands-on protected area management by conducting water quality tests and field monitoring, giving them a real sense of what it takes to for .

The activity, co-organized with the Regional Strategic Communication and Initiatives Group (RSCIG), the Youth Desk Office (YDO) of the DENR National Capital Region, and the Society for the Conservation of Philippine Wetlands (SCPW), aimed to inspire the participating students to become active advocates for the environment by exposing them to the challenges and realities of protected area management.

Experiential learning plays a crucial role in shaping values and commitment among youth, as it allows them to connect theory with practice, deepening their understanding and creating a genuine commitment to environmental stewardship and .

LOOK: The Protected Area Management Office of the Las Piñas-Parañaque Wetland Park (LPPWP), in collaboration with the Regional Strategic Communication and Initiatives Group (RSCIG), the Youth Desk Office (YDO) of the DENR National Capital Region, and the Society for the Conservation of Philippine Wetlands (SCPW), organized a two-day learning event in celebration of International Youth Day 2024.

The event, titled "EcoCamp: Youth for Wetland Action," was held on August 10-11, 2024, at the wetland park and attended by students from Las Piñas City National Senior High School-Manuyo Campus, Las Piñas National Senior High School, Sto. Niño National High School, Parañaque Science High School, Parañaque Senior High School, and Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila (PLM).

The EcoCamp served as a dynamic venue for young participants to learn, discuss, and plan ways to protect wetlands, inspiring them to become . Through lectures, discussions, interactive sessions, and fieldwork, the participants were equipped with the knowledge and skills to contribute meaningfully to wetland conservation.

Involving youth in wetland protection and environmental advocacy is vital, as it creates a sense of responsibility and empowers them to take proactive roles in safeguarding our natural resources. Their active participation ensures that conservation efforts remain sustainable and innovative.

LOOK: The Bakawan Warriors of the Las Piñas-Parañaque Wetland Park (LPPWP) collaborated to construct improvised oil spill booms using coconut husks, ropes, nets, and other floating materials to protect the wetland park from potential oil spills. The materials were donated by the Villar Sipag Foundation, the Philippine Coast Guard, ICOLABB, One Pawikan, Ms. Gilamae Gilaberte, and other volunteer organizations. Together, they successfully produced four (4) 100-meter spill booms.

So far, no oil has been detected in LPPWP, thanks to the efforts of the PCG and all those who contributed to the effort of protecting . The DENR National Capital Region and the LPPWP Protected Area Management Office extend their gratitude to all our .

LOOK: Officers of the 970th Honor Es**rt and Ceremonial Group (HECG) of the Philippine Air Force conducted a Coastal Clean-up Drive at the Las Piñas-Parañaque Wetland Park (LPPWP) in celebration of the organization's 77th Founding Anniversary.

Led by LTC Allain Oliver Palasigue, the PAF (GSC) Group Commander, our volunteer airmen and airwomen successfully recovered 49 sacks of marine trash, mostly composed of plastic packaging, from the shores of Long Island, totaling 312 kilos. In a statement published on their social media page, the HECG said that the group supports environmental stewardship through waste reduction, recycling, and raising awareness.

LOOK: Members of the Coastal Law and Wetland (CLAW) Protection Group of the Las Piñas-Parañaque Wetland Park (LPPWP) convened to address security concerns affecting the wetland park, followed by a joint ocular inspection and monitoring. CLAW was established to ensure the rigorous enforcement of laws protecting coastal and wetland areas. The group includes representatives from the Protected Area Management Office (PAMO) of the LPPWP, DENR Metropolitan Environmental Office-South, the City Environment and Natural Resources Offices (CENRO) of Las Piñas and Parañaque, the six coastal barangays within LPPWP, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), Philippine National Police-Maritime Group (PNP-MG), and the PNP Southern Police District.

Working together in law enforcement is crucial in managing protected areas, as it ensures that each stakeholder brings their expertise and resources to bear in safeguarding these vulnerable ecosystems. Effective collaboration allows for a comprehensive approach to addressing security threats, ensuring that laws are not only enforced but also adapted to meet the evolving challenges faced by protected areas like LPPWP.

CLAW is currently in the process of reviewing its draft Manual of Operations, which will guide the group's coordinated response to security threats and issues within the LPPWP. This manual is a critical step toward enhancing the group's ability to protect the park's ecological integrity while ensuring the safety of the surrounding communities.

LOOK: The Protected Area Management Office of the Las Piñas-Parañaque Wetland Park (LPPWP) teamed up anew with Communities Organized for Resource Allocation (CORA) on the conduct of a Communication, Capacity-building, Education, Participation, and Awareness (CEPA) campaign on plastic pollution. Volunteers from the Philippine National Police, Bakawan Warriors, and other schools participated in the event.

LOOK: Members of different community-based organizations from Barangay Ilaya, Las Piñas City, visited the Las Piñas-Parañaque Wetland Park (LPPWP) as part of the environmental education program of the Office of Senator Cynthia A. Villar.

Senator Villar is a member of the LPPWP Protected Area Management Board and a champion of the wetland park, helping promote and protect .

LOOK: A batch of volunteers from Accenture spend their day removing trash from the mangrove area of the Las Piñas-Parañaque Wetland Park (LPPWP).

Protect Our Mangroves and Wildlife: Donate Today!

The Protected Area Management Office of the Las Piñas-Parañaque Wetland Park (LPPWP) needs your help! The Oil spill from MT Terra Nova has reached the town of Ternate in Cavite and could soon threaten our precious mangroves and mudflats. This is particularly alarming as we are nearing migration season.

How You Can Help:

We're collecting coconut husks, chicken or fish nets, and water barrels/drums. These materials will be used to create improvised barriers to prevent oil from reaching our mangroves and shorelines, protecting the birds and wildlife that depend on this vital habitat.

(Important Note: We are not accepting cash donations, only the items listed above.)

Join us in safeguarding ! and make a difference.

For more information and donation drop-off details, please visit our page or contact us directly at 09917712566 [email protected].

LOOK: Park attendants of the Las Piñas-Parañaque Wetland Park (LPPWP) toured members of ANGAT E.Aldana around the wetland park, explaining the importance of the flora and fauna it hosts. Involving local communities in the care and protection of LPPWP is crucial for creating a sense of ownership and responsibility among them, ensuring the sustainable use and preservation of its fragile ecosystem.

LOOK: Officials and members of ANGAT E.Aldana visited the Las Piñas-Parañaque Wetland Park (LPPWP) as part of the environmental advocacy program of the Office of Senator Cynthia A. Villar.

Senator Villar met with the visitors, who were comprised of different organizations from Barangay Elias Aldana, one of the four barangays in Las Piñas located next to the wetland park. She explained the importance of LPPWP and encouraged them to help promote and protect it.

Personnel from the LPPWP Protected Area Management Office provided the visitors with an orientation about wetlands and a tour of the park.

The Las Piñas-Parañaque Wetland Park (LPPWP) joins the global community in celebrating the International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem.

As demonstrated by our recent experience with Typhoon Carina, mangroves are effective natural coastal defenses against storm surges. They act as barriers that absorb and dissipate the energy of waves and storm surges, reducing their impact on shorelines. By decreasing the speed and force of incoming water, mangroves help protect coastal communities from flooding and property damage.

Help us protect the mangroves of LPPWP by disposing of your trash properly so that it doesn't end up in our wetland park.

In addition to organizing a cleanup, Wetland International Philippines interns made sure to check on the famed birds and mangroves of the Las Piñas-Parañaque Wetland Park (LPPWP) during their learning visit to the wetland park.