The Katala Foundation Inc. (KFI) is intensifying its information campaign by focusing on behavioral change in the 12 “core” barangays of Puerto Princesa City which are the foraging areas of the Philippine cockatoo or katala.
Mary Chris Nierves, KFI program development officer, said Wednesday they are regularly visiting these areas for their information campaign addressed to community members and students from elementary to senior high school.
“Meron din tayong ginagawa na behavior change campaign in Puerto Princesa kung saan sinakop na rin natin ang mga surrounding communities na may sighting ng katala, especially sa city area,”she said.
She added that their information campaign is aimed at raising the awareness of the public on the importance of conserving the endangered bird species.
Nierves, however, did not name the 12 barangays in the city to avoid disturbing the areas.
She said they are also encouraging the community members to plant malunggay (moringa) trees that would be helpful to the birds to rest on.
“Hopefully, hindi nila i-post sa Facebook ‘yong exact location kung saan nangingingain ‘yong mga katala. As much as possible ay sabihin na lang nila dito sa syudad nangingingain — ganoon lang kasi baka madisturbo. Lastly, kasi talamak din ‘yong mga tirador-tirador ng mga bata, ma-inform nila ang mga bata na hindi nila tiradurin kasi napakababa lang ng mga Katala, dyan lang sa mga malunggay, maabot lang din nila,” she pointed out.
