YOUNG explorer and mountaineer Kiko Rustia has called on presidential bets to also speak about the preservation of natural resources and to be stewards of the environment for future generations.
At a news conference in Quezon City, Rustia expressed his frustration over those running as president and vice president have been discussing mostly economic and political issues, and have not even raised a single topic about environmental conservation and protection.
“I have not heard a solid platform about environmental policies,” he told reporters.
“I encourage the voters to demand impromptu answers about environmental issues.”
He also challenged candidates to address the vanishing flora and fauna of Luzon, citing the studies done by the World Wildlife Fund that the Luzon rainforest ecoregion is already in its critical and endangered state.
“Now, the Philippine eagle is nowhere to be found here,” he told The Standard.
Even the shrew mouse, Isabela Oriole and Philippine cockatoo, which used to be widespread throughout Luzon’s 36,900 square miles, are now virtually extinct, he said.
“It is the responsibility and duty of every one who longs to be president to preserve our country’s natural resources as a heritage to the next generation,” he raised.
Also, parrots or the green racquet-tail Prioniturus luconensis, flying fox or the largest fox in the world, long-tailed macaque, warty pig, brown deer and civets are now extinct, he said.
He blamed illegal logging, pet hunting and government’s inadequacy on conservation efforts.
According to Rustia, a former “Born to be Wild” host, he will explore the remaining virgin forests of Luzon for at least 90 days to “show to the world the urgency of preserving these remaining species of animals and plants.”