“We continue to promote a robust program in species conservation and we include this year our support for the protection and conservation of the Negros bleeding heart pigeon,” said Paul Vincent Arcenas, CPFI president.

The beautiful and colorful species is aptly called for the red patch on its breast.

“Since the species is critically endangered, many a heart would bleed if the bird becomes extinct due to mankind’s unabated destruction of its forest habitat,” Arcenas said.

In partnership with the Negros Forests and Ecological Foundation Inc. (NFEFI), CPFI recently organized a donor’s forum to raise funds for the protection of these birds, as well as the conservation efforts of NFEFI. The donor’s forum encouraged other organizations to support efforts in the protection and conservation of the environment and wildlife of Negros.

“Cemex’s support is very timely and well appreciated as this will go a long way in saving our environment so future generations can enjoy their birthright to a beautiful planet,” Paul Lizares, NFEFI president, said.

“We are in danger of running out of time. We must all pull together and act before it’s too late,” Lizares added.

Part of the funds raised during the forum will help the NFEFI-Biodiversity Conservation Center to continue and expand its work of keeping and breeding rare species, some of which are almost at the brink of extinction. NFEFI-Biodiversity Conservation Breeding Center is one of the country’s leading breeding centers and home to 120 endangered animals and birds.

To date, CPFI has adopted for protection the whalesharks of Donsol (Sorsogon) and the Philippine tarsiers in Bohol, in partnership with CI (Conservation International Philippines) and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau.

(Jonathan Mayuga)