A PAIR of ruddy turnstone (Arenaria interpres), a near-threatened species of migratory birds, have been recently spotted by birdwatchers along the shores of the Las Piñas–Parañaque Wetland Park before heading on their journey along the East Asian-Australasian Flyway.
These birds, known for flicking rocks, shells, and stone debris to find insects and small water animals, hence their name, are at risk of extinction from habitat loss and human disturbance.
The wetland park, provided these birds essential habitat, including feeding and roosting grounds. The park’s biodiversity reveals its specific importance as a bird sanctuary, especially for migratory birds.
“It was my first time using a scope during the birdwatching trip last Saturday. And wow para akong nag-upgrade from HD to Ultra HD,” said Christiane Oriana, who also posted on Facebook the pictures of birds she saw in the area.
A flock of Philippine Ducks fly over the mangroves of LPPWP in search of a roosting and feeding spot (Photo courtesy: LPPWP/file photo)
“Hindi basta-bastang lugar ang Las Piñas-Parañaque Wetland Park (LPPWP). Isa itong Ramsar Wetland of International Importance. Mahalaga ito sa mga migratory birds bilang pinagkakainan at pinapahingahan sa kanilang ruta sa East Asian-Australasian Flyway,” Leo Castro posted on Facebook, tagging the page of Mangrove Matters PH.
“Bukod pa rito, ang mga bakawan ng LPPWP ay mahalaga sa laban kontra climate change — dahil sa kakayahan nitong mag-imbak ng malaking carbon at magbigay proteksyon sa mga komunidad laban sa bagyo,” he added.
Located between the southwest portion of Metro Manila and Manila Bay, the LLPWP, previously called the Las Piñas–Parañaque Critical Habitat and Ecotourism Area (LPPCHEA), covers 181 hectares of mudflats, brush, grass, beach, dirt, and surrounding mangroves providing feeding, resting, and breeding grounds that support over 5,000 birds daily, according to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-National Capital Region.
Recent data from the LPPWP showed that over 163 species of avian life, both resident and migratory, have been recorded. These include endangered species such as the Siberian Sand-Plover (Anarhynchus mongolus) and Far Eastern Curlew (Numenius madagascariensis), near-threatened species like the Black-tailed Godwit (Limosa limosa) and the visiting Ruddy Turnstone (Arenaria interpres), and vulnerable species like the Philippine Duck (Anas luzonica) and Chinese Egret (Egretta eulophotes).
Aside from being a home to different types of plants and animals, wetlands are also known as nature’s kidneys, filtering harmful chemicals, pollutants, and contaminants from water. They serve as the “first line of defense” for coastal communities against hazards such as storm surges and flooding.
In 2013, the LLPWP was recognized internationally as an important wetland under the Ramsar Convention, and in 2018, the LLPWP was officially declared a National Protected Area under Republic Act No. 11038 (the Expanded National Integrated Protected Area Act).
Within the LPPWP, there is a Wetland Park where visitors can enjoy nature trekking and birdwatching. Accredited local DENR-NCR tour guides are available for guided experiences. The park offers seasonal activities for nature enthusiasts, educational seminars on wetlands, and opportunities to learn about on-site waste management practices like vermicomposting. Additionally, there are coastal clean-up events to help preserve the area.
Inaugurated in 2022, the LLPWP’s Wetland Center Complex is also open to the public. The complex serves as a learning center and a venue for the interaction of people and wildlife, and houses the Wave Activity Center, Science hub, museum, audio-visual rooms, and the offices of the LPPWP Protected Area Management Office, and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources.
The complex is managed by the LPPWP Protected Area Management Board which is chaired by DENR-National Capital Region, together with Villar Sipag Foundation, Society for the Conservation of Philippine Wetlands, Wild Bird Club of the Philippines, and other government and non-government agencies as members.
Protective measures
To safeguard various bird species, bird sanctuaries have been established in the region. As part of the Ramsar Convention, LPPWP is committed to fulfilling its responsibilities for conservation. The United Nations has developed a Communication, Education, and Public Awareness (CEPA) Plan to promote biodiversity conservation in the area. This plan aims to balance ecological health with the socio-economic needs of local communities, guiding collective efforts to achieve development goals while maintaining the wetland’s ecological functions essential for residents’ livelihoods.
The general plan emphasizes raising awareness about LPPWP among local residents, many of whom are unaware of the area’s existence. Individual action plans have been created to engage stakeholders, encouraging them to appreciate the biodiversity and ecosystem services provided by LPPWP. The aim is to foster a harmonious relationship with nature.
The area has been protected from reclamation activities in Manila Bay after the DENR designated it as a “critical habitat.” Parañaque City high school teacher Mary Jane Voluntad said in a Facebook post that visitors planning picnics have been advised against wearing red clothing, as it can scare migratory birds by resembling the color associated with forest fires.
To maintain a peaceful environment for the birds, the sanctuary limits entry to a number of people at a time. Tree-planting events are also hosted at the LPPWP by the DENR-NCR, the Parañaque City government, and the Parañaque Cooperative and Developmental Office, among others.
The LPPWP is open to the public at no cost, but prior clearance from the DENR-NCR is required due to its protected status.
By protecting habitats like the LLPWP, the Philippines contributes not only to the global ecosystem, but to the worldwide effort to protect migratory birds and ensure that future generations will continue to see the incredible journeys of birds like the Ruddy Turnstone. (GLDG/PIA-NCR)
