Katala Foundation Inc. (KFI) on Friday hosted the 2nd Katala Festival a the grounds of the Palawan State University (PSU).
Katala Festival 2019 aims to widen and strengthen the conservation education campaigns through flagship conservation programs covering different threatened species such as Philippine Cockatoo, Palawan Hornbill, Calamian Deer, Balabac Mouse Deer, Palawan Forest Turtle, and Palawan Pangolin.
KFI officer Indira Lacerna-Widdman said that the festival fuses the 11th World Turtle Day and the 2nd Katala Festival pointing out that hosting a festive event is integral in involving kids and youth in wildlife conservation.
“It is a festive event for kids and adults alike. Together, we will celebrate and learn more about our threatened flagship species in Palawan,” Lacerna-Widdman said.
Meanwhile, city councilor Jimmy Carbonell and Puerto Princesa Underground River (PPUR) park superintendent Beth Maclang were also present to the event.
Carbonell said that they intend to include the Katala Festival on the annual Subaraw Fest as both events highlight environmental awareness.
“Irerequest namin ni Beth Maclang na maisama ito by next year sa Subaraw. Amazing feature din ito para sa ating Subaraw dahil kasama na nito ang advocacy dahil ang Katala ay diminishing species at kailangan natin itong protektahan,” Carbonell said.
Katala Festival 2019 was hosted by KFI in partnership with international organizations such as Loro Parque Foundation, Whitley Fund for Nature, HKFdn, Blue Communities, GCRF UK Research and Innovation; and local agencies such as the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Palawan Council for Sustainable Development (PCSD), Palawan State University (PSU), Western Philippines University (WPU), and the local government of Puerto Princesa City.
