Senator Cynthia Villar welcomed the Senate’s unanimous approval of Senate Bill 1536, which aims to strengthen the protection of the Las Piñas-Parañaque Wetland Park (LPPWP), Metro Manila’s last viable wetland ecosystem.
The bill expands the wetland’s boundary by three kilometers seaward to safeguard its ecological integrity from urbanization.
It also amends the Expanded National Integrated Protected Areas System Act (ENIPAS) to enhance conservation efforts in line with international environmental commitments.
Villar emphasized that the expanded buffer zone will help protect nearby communities from disasters, support the livelihood of 300,000 fisherfolk, and contribute to Metro Manila’s food security.
The LPPWP is home to over 159 bird species, including threatened ones like the Philippine Duck and Chinese Egret, as well as diverse marine life essential to the region’s biodiversity.
Source: PhilNews24 | February 2, 2025
