The Three A's

By: Zia Pidlaoan

Philippines is not only rich in landscapes and wonderful sceneries but is also the home of different plants and animals that enriches our biodiversity. It makes the country more unique knowing that many species of plants and animals are endemic-meaning they are only found in the Philippines. But, we cannot deny the fact that some of these animals and plants are now threatened and worse, some are endangered. As Filipinos, who are the stewards of these resources, we should be sensitive to what’s happening and at the same time, be responsible and think of ways on how to preserve these animals and plants and avoid extinction.

            Appreciation. As the people of this country, we should be the ones who appreciate more of our resources. Appreciating and loving their presence should be within us. We’re lucky that different kinds of animals chose to live and stay in the land and forests here in our country. We are lucky that these lovely plants suit in the soil in our homeland. We, Filipinos should be thankful that our Almighty God entrusted His creations to us so we must show our deepest appreciation to them.

            Awareness. It’s not enough that we only know and recognize the presence of our most precious natural resources, but, we should be aware on what’s happening to those resources brought by different changes, demands and human activities. One thing where Filipinos should be aware of is that some of the animals living in our country (forests, protected areas, wildlife, etc.) belong to the endangered species and this problem is very alarming because if the animals continue to become endangered and extinct, there will be an imbalance to our ecosystem. And this imbalance in our ecosystem may affect not only the animals and plants but we people may be affected too. So, as long as the situation is not yet on its worse, we should show our awareness to the problems concerning the preservation of our natural resources specially those who are considered as threatened and endangered. Awareness on the situation of our natural resources and biodiversity will lead us to take necessary and preventive actions to preserve our natural resources.

            Action. Taking actions and doing things that can solve or at least lessen this problem is a clear evidence that we are concerned citizens and responsible caretakers of God’s creations. There are a lot of ways on how people especially those who lived near our resources can contribute in taking actions to preserve our resources. The simplest thing that we can do as an action in preserving our resources is to follow or abide the laws enacted by the Philippine congress concerning in the protection and conservation of our country’s resource. By simply following the provisions of these laws, we would be able to contribute in the conservation of the richness of our country’s natural resources in our own little ways. It’s better to be active and take actions in protecting our natural resources that being passive and unaware to what’s happening to our country’s wealth.

            Philippines is a very rich country: rich in amazing landscapes, rich in unique resources and rich in wonderful creations of God. Our country is one of the chosen ones to have these beautiful nature and wonderful creatures. Our responsibility is to enrich, preserve and protect our resources so that the future generation would be able to see these resources and witness how lucky our country is to have these kinds of resources.