Around Town: The Las Pinas-Paranaque Critical Habitat and Ecotourism Area

When seeking a place that offers serenity and the untouched beauty of nature, where do you often head out to?

Far from the city, we would presume. But did you know that amidst the hustle, bustle and pollution of Manila actually lies a haven for wildlife?

Just a few minutes' drive from the Coastal Road and the Manila-Cavite toll plaza is the Las Pinas-Paranaque Critical Habitat and Ecotourism Area (LPPCHEA), a sanctuary for more than 82 species of local and migratory birds, around 70 species of trees and more.

A sprawling 175 hectares, the LPPCHEA is made up of two main locations: Long Island in Las Pinas and Freedom Island in Paranaque. 114 hectares are composed of mud flats, 30 hectares are of mangroves and about 2 kilometers are occupied by the beach area.

It’s hard to believe that this locale is man-made. Once threatened with reclamation, it was established in April 22, 2007 (Earth Day that year) by virtue of Proclamation No. 1412 during president Arroyo’s administration. An amendment in January 31, 2008, Proclamation No. 1412-A, then formed a governing body to manage the area. This group is chaired by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and made up of members from the Department of Tourism (DOT), the local government units of Las Pinas and Paranaque, and the Wildbird Club of the Philippines. 

From bird-watching, nature walks to tree planting, families in the metro can easily breathe in fresh air and appreciate the wonders of a carefully maintained environment at LPPCHEA. “There are a lot of birds early in the morning; small and very colorful ones,” says LPPCHEA DENR Manager, Rey Aguinaldo. 

 

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This is because when the water recedes in the mud flats, these birds -- from egrets, herons, kingfishers and more -- feast on the exposed fish and invertebrates. “Beside the mud flats are the mangroves,” explains Aguinaldo. “When the water gets high again, big fish spawn and lay their eggs there, and leave afterwards.” The lagoons are also rich in food for the birds, which is why fishing is not allowed here. 

The peak migratory season for these birds is during December and January -- the cool months -- which is also the best time to go bird-watching. On ordinary days, however, Aguinaldo strongly advises that tourists come by before sunrise, or right before sunset, when majority of the birds go feeding. 

As for nature walks, these are best done during the dry months. The management allows groups with a maximum number of 10 to 15 persons to go on a walk for 30 minutes to an hour through the trail. Tree planting, on the other hand, is encouraged during the rainy season. 

While the LPPCHEA is open to the public, and for free, only a certain number of visitors are allowed to roam the area at a time so as to minimize disturbance to the wildlife. 

Aguinaldo notes some restrictions and reminders for visitors:

1. You have to minimize movement. Abrupt movement will drive away the birds.

2. Don’t wear bright-colored clothing while inside.

3. Manage your garbage. Don’t throw your trash in the area. 

4. Picking of flowers, leaves and taking of planting materials is not allowed.

Aguinaldo says there are plans to develop the LPPCHEA further, including the construction of a visitors’ center, an audiovisual room, view deck, bird hides, view towers, as well as a “board walk”— an elevated path where guests can unobtrusively view the birds from a distance. 

Want to see our exclusive photos of the LPPCHEA? View our slideshow!

Interested to go bird-watching? E-mail a letter of request to reymtag@yahoo.com.ph seven days prior to your intended date of visit, stating the proposed date, activity and the number of people in your group.

 

Photos by Dakila Angeles