PRESERVE MARINE RESOURCES IN CAGAYAN -- ANGARA

Senator Edgardo J. Angara today said he is committed to support the marine resource conservation effort in Cagayan Valley, which is anchored on the protection of the marine resources in the Babuyan Channel, which rich marine bio-diversity has attracted national attention.

Angara said that Babuyan Channel alone is host to 14 marine mammals , from whales to dolphins , and is the major stop of migratory birds fleeing bitter winters on their way to different parts of Luzon, principally the Candaba swamps.

"The Cagayan seascape should be conserved and protected. I fully support all efforts to conserve it. I also laud the effort of the provincial government under Governor Edgar Lara to intensify the environmental protection in the province," said Angara.

Angara said that environmental protection is one of the most important socio-economic issues of the millennium and every legislator should play a major role in conserving and protecting the environment.

Angara said that there are few remaining areas in the Philippines with a bio-diversity as rich as Cagayan province.

The Calayn rail, a low-flying bird species, is said to be found only in the town of Calayan, said Angara.

The forested areas have reported frequent sightings of the Philippine Eagle and crocodiles can still be found in the rivers of Cagayan, he added.

All of these rich natural resources can be the anchor of a well-planned eco-tourism program, which is the rage in many parts of the world, said Angara.

"There is economic sense in environmental protection and the safeguarding of bio-diversity," he added.