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Focus: Cebu
One of the biggest problem Cebu is facing is it's rapid deforestation. It has
been reported that a mere 1% of it's original size is left. With this second growth of forest patches left, Cebu's last
endemic wild/bird life would also dissappear. The island's fresh water reserves would also be affected and
of course that last rare commodity called fresh air.
We strongly advocate for the preservation of these last bastion of green spots, mangroves along with it's habitats.
We urge all gov't agencies, NGO's and other environmental groups to make a concerted effort towards this goal. Saving these
last forest patches is a must, since extinction is forever.
May this be a wake up call for all, specially those of us who still treasure this beautiful place called Cebu.
Listed in here are some of the last remaining forest patches which still houses the last of Cebu's native plants,
tress and natvie wildlife species.
Cebu is located in the centre of the Visayan group of islands in the Philippines.
The native biodiversity of Cebu is amongst the most critically endangered in the world, due to its high endemism and seriously
denuded landscape. Most of the remaining biodiversity is found in only a few small and isolated forest patches. Without immediate
action, these patches are unlikely to survive the next decade.
The natural forest fragments are the sole remaining habitat - and sole basis for survival -
of a number of the worlds most endangered birds and other species. The best-known species, the Cebu black shama (Copsychus
cebuensis), with an estimated population of between 150-200 individuals, is probably the most abundant. The Cebu flowerpecker
(Dicaeum quadricolor), believed extinct until a sighting in the Tabunan forest in 1992, has now been sighted in three of the
project sites, but is still known from only a few individuals and therefore almost certainly one of the most endangered bird
species in the world. The Cebu hanging parakeet (Loriculus philippensis chrysonatus) was believed extinct until a flock of
five birds was sighted in Tabunan in 1998.
Tabunan Forest is the single
most important site for conservation in Cebu. It is the largest known patch of mature lowland forest on the island on Cebu
and the only site on Cebu where closed canopy forest remains. The Tabunan forest fragments support the largest remaining populations
of most of the threatened and restricted-range bird species found on Cebu. These include the Cebu flowerpecker (Diacaeum
quadricolor), black shama (Copsychus cebuensis), coppersmith barbet (Megalaima haemacephala cebuesis); elegant
titmouse (Parus elegans visayanus), streak-breasted bulbul (Hypsipetes siquijorensis monticola) and Everetts
white-eye (Zosterops everetti everetti). Tabunan also supports the most important stand of the endemic Cebu cinnamon
tree (Cinnamonum cebuensis). The globally important biodiversity identified through the limited surveys conducted indicates
that even more important biodiversity remains to be discovered within Tabunan.
Nug-As Forest has fewer large
trees than Tabunan, but is probably the largest single patch of native forest on Cebu. It is much more extensive at c.582.ha
and also has different vegetation and is relatively isolated from human habitation, with some conservation action already
taking place.
Mts. Kangbulagsing, Matunog and Lanaya
These series of mountain ranges are the most important sites for lowland Molave-type forest remaining on Cebu. Limited
surveys have already shown significant populations of five endemic bird taxa and it is highly likely that there are more.
Despite their minimal protection status as designated watershed reserves, their condition has remained unchanged for many
years. However, the site is highly threatened by a proposed limestone quarry within the forest.
Mt. Lantoy part of the Southern
Cebu Reforestation Project Area, which also covers some of the adjacent hills and the banks of the river. The upper slopes
of Mt Lantoy still have some low secondary forest and dense scrub, typical of dry karst limestone conditions. There are some
low old-growth trees remaining around the peak at c.500 m and some tall dipterocarp trees at c.300 m on the slopes above the
Argao River. The total forest area there is estimated at c.300 ha. Some fruit trees have also been planted recently as part
of a DENR restoration program. Most of the surrounding low-lying areas are covered with farmland, agroforestry, secondary
growth and reforested areas, planted with exotic trees such as mahogany, falcata, gmelina and acacia. One of the protected
areas in southern Cebu, due to the lush flora and fauna unique to the area. Mt Lantoy indeed is critically important for
conservation, because there are so few significant areas of forest remaining in the Cebu Endemic Bird Area (EBA).
Green*Point [a little shade of environmental awareness]
Information Website of the
Circle of Friends for Enviro Concern
Cebu City, Philippines
Member: EarthDayNetwork
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Bulletin Board
1999 "Cebu Animal Welfare Society" A
society of animal lovers was formed in Cebu City with emphasis on domestic animal cruelty. Founded by Mr. Sol
Eugenio, also served as the group's first president.
Note: As of 2005, the society has been
inactive. I was the liason officer for the group, will
update ASAP for any changes. [LP]
2000 Found only in the island of Cebu, the
Cebu Flowerpicker (titi) and the Black Sharma (siloy), both believe to be extinct have been sighted (in the 90's)
and confirmed at the Tabunan National Forest, which is located at the central part of the province. Priority must be
given to preserve this last remaining forest patch of indigenous tress of Cebu. [CoF/EC]
2001 New forest patch was found in the central part of Cebu with new growth
species along the slopes of a mountaneous area. This patch have been unnotice due to it's high slope position but
had some of Cebu's surviving indigenous plants species. [Sun*Star]
2002 A long time favorite dipping destination in Metro Cebu, Talisay
Beach has now been declared unfit for human bathing due to pollution and garbage related problems. Caught in between
the pollutant discharges from the City of Cebu and crude oil discharges from the National Power Corp in Naga City, Talisay
beach is no more. Once a tourist distination, this beach would be a perfect example if no measures or planning
are undertaken by the government agencies and help from the general public in itself in terms of personal environmental
responsibility. The good news is that this trend could still be reverse, thats if everybody from the private and public
sector will do it's part. [CoF/EC]
2003 Cebu faces "water riots" in 15 to 20 years, scientist says. If
the foot-dragging continues, Cebu could confront, in just 15 years, escalating riots over salt-contaminated wells and dry
taps. Scientists of the San Carlos University's Water Resources Center (WRC) say this bleak prospect faces Cebu as over
180 countries. WRC studied the first signs of seawater intrusion into Metro Cebu's main source of water -- its narrow
elongated limestone aquifer -- in 1965. This "saline edge" advances relentlessly at more than 150 meters yearly. [Inquirer News]
2004-05 An informal group (of friends) disscussing enviro concerns,
primarily for the province of Cebu. Setup around late 2004, the "Circle of Friends for
Cebu's Environment" is currently focusing on the educational and info outreach to the general public.
Future plan includes working with gov't agencies and NGOs, stressing the importance of preserving the
remaining forest patches, coastal mangroves and the endangered wildlife species (endemic habitat) within the
long island of Cebu. [RS]
2007 A sub-group "Circle of Friends
for a Free Tibet (Philippines)" was formed to give support to the Tibetan people's aspiration to practice
their buddhist/bon religion, culture, tradition and speak their own language in their own country freely. Prohibitions, torture
and force implementation of China's policy has been done on the Tibetans since it has been occupied illegally by China
in the 50's. Aiming to spread this awareness in these pacific islands , please see link above for more info. [JV]
2008 A Concert for Tibet Awareness
was held last August 8 at the Mambaling Park, Cebu City. More than 24 local bands played
for a good cause with the Tibet issue primarily promoted by the Circle of Friends. Leaflets and flyers on Cebu's fragile
environment were also distributed and endorsed during this project. Concert videos can be seen at YouTubet - serkolfriends
channel. [CoF/T]
2009 CoF ‘Hiking & Backpacking Project” - Setup to give exposure and
to actually experience Cebu’s forest and mountain trails. Periodically planned by the Environmental Group and
is opened to all interested. These hikes could be done in one day or a few days and might include overnight stays
and camping. Emphasis throughout these activities would focus on conservation, preservation and to give focus
on the fragil environmental ecology. Also this will give participants the opportunity to enjoy the escapade from
the usual city life and routine. This project has been on-going these last few years.
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Please get in touch for any comments, info or
group liason.
It's a beautiful world, let's try to keep it this way.
@LoosePage 2002
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