The Protect Phil Warty team discussed its research initiatives with key stakeholders from Biliran Island, aimed at developing strategies to protect the Philippine warty pigs from the threat of African swine fever on Biliran Island, employing citizen science and conservation medicine approaches. The team was warmly welcomed by its academic partner, Biliran Province State University – Biliran Campus, where a ceremonial handover of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) took place alongside a planning session for future research activities, with Ms. Cindy N. Cortez and Mr. Vincent T. Grampa in attendance.

Ceremonial handover of MOA between VSU and BIPSU-Biliran Campus after planning session on research activities.

Continuing their engagement, the Protect Phil Warty team shared their advocacy for biodiversity conservation with the Provincial Governor of Biliran, the Honorable Dr. Rogelio J. Espina, who expressed his full support for their conservation efforts.

Protect Phil Warty team discussing with the Governor of the Biliran Province, Honorable Dr. Rogelio J. Espina. Photo credit to Dok Roger Espina.

Additionally, the Protect Phil Warty team received full approval from the Municipal Mayor of Biliran, the Honorable Grace J. Casil, and positive feedback from the Mayor of Almeria, the Honorable Maria B. Sale. The team successfully communicated its intent to collaborate and seek support from the Municipalities of Naval and Kawayan, as well as from the Biliran Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO).

Protect Phil Warty team with the Mayor of the Municipality of Biliran, the Honorable Grace J. Casil.
Protect Phil Warty team with the Mayor of Almeria, the Honorable Maria B. Sale.

The team expressed sincere gratitude for the warm welcome and enthusiastic interest shown by the communities and local officials on Biliran Island. These site visits represent a crucial step in solidifying partnerships that will significantly contribute to the conservation efforts and the overall goal of preserving the Philippines’ unique wildlife biodiversity.

Led by Dr. Harvie P. Portgaliza, the Project Leader and FVM Dean, the Protect Phil Warty team includes project staff Dr. Cyrill John P. Godinez, Dr. Marjorie A. Cortes, Heherson A. Luza, Erik John S. Putan, and Joel M. Israel. This initiative operates under the project “Protect Phil Warty: Mobilizing Citizen Science and Conservation Medicine to Protect the Philippine Warty Pigs (Sus philippensis) from African Swine Fever in Leyte and Biliran Islands,” funded by the DOST-National Research Council of the Philippines.

[This article aligns with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) No. 2 – Zero Hunger, SGD No. 15 – Life on Land, and SDG No. 17 – Partnerships for the Goals]

 

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