Last February 22, a dedicated force of volunteers converged at the Las Piñas-Paranaque Wetland Park (LPPWP), driven by a shared commitment to environmental stewardship. The Coastal Clean Up was spearheaded by Zone Chairperson Lion China Marie Deferia MJF, and Bacoor Zone A of District 301-A2 of Lions International. This impactful event was made possible through a strong collaboration with the Association of Science and Math Educators of Public and Private Schools (ASMEPPS), under the leadership of its President, Prof. Eloisa Olivera, who also serves as the 301-A2 Cabinet Secretary for this Lions year (2024-2025).
Although other District officers failed to come due to other commitments, the cleanup effort drew support from across the Lions District, with officers such as Deputy Cabinet Secretary Ln. Celia Rasing, Muntinlupa ZC Amie Calupitan, DC for Flagship Projects Dr. Janet De Guzman and DC for Campus Clubs Dr. Santos Castillo joining the ranks. Club presidents and members from Makati Educators Lions Club (under Dr. Vlademir Paraiso) and Parañaque Educators Lions Club (Ln Edna Dabasol) also contributed to the day’s success. Bacoor Zone A, represented by Saint Francis of Assisi College 104 PMJF and Cavite ASMEPPS 103-A PMJF, demonstrated a strong presence with enthusiastic participation from their officers and members.
The volunteers, numbering over a hundred, were welcomed by Senator Cynthia Villar, a long-time champion of environmental causes. Senator Villar’s presence underscored the importance of the LPPWP as a vital ecological asset.
Senator Villar, known for her unwavering advocacy for both livelihood development and wetland protection, shared the history of the LPPWP. She recounted her early involvement with the park as a congresswoman of Las Piñas City, emphasizing the vision and dedication required to preserve such a valuable natural resource. The event served as a powerful reminder of the importance of community involvement and commitment in safeguarding our environment for future generations.
Senator Cynthia Villar, recognizing the need for stronger and more permanent protection of the Las Piñas-Parañaque Wetland Park (LPPWP), successfully sponsored a bill in Senate Bill No. 1536 or the LPPWP Protection Act of 2025 last January 27, 2025 to establish a legal framework for its long-term conservation. Villar emphasized that the previous protective measures, enacted through a Presidential Decree in the mid-2000s, were vulnerable to repeal and only provided temporary safeguards. By elevating the wetland’s protection to the level of law, any actions that violate its integrity would be deemed unlawful and subject to legal penalties, ensuring its preservation for future generations.
Protecting our environment is a shared responsibility, where individuals and organizations should work together as a team. The proposed coastal reclamation projects in these cities are unacceptable, especially considering the interconnected river systems of Las Piñas, Parañaque, Zapote, and Bacoor that drain into the bay. Reclamation threatens to trap rainwater, potentially causing flooding on the scale of what Marikina experienced during Typhoon Ondoy in 2009. We must act together to prevent future disasters.
In a heartfelt address, the senator spoke not as a politician, but as a concerned citizen, imploring everyone to protect our environment for the sake of our future. It was a message of pure truth, unburdened by political agendas.
Grateful appreciation to Senator Senator Villar’s dedicated staff: Mr. Arnel Gabiola LLB, Engr. Adan Pasno, Mr. Boni Magalong, Ms. Dian Itao, Ms. Susan and Lion “Kiko” Magallanes. They have collaborated with Zone Chairperson Lion China Marie Deferia, from beginning to end and made this memorable experience possible for students from Marie Osmund School, Grace Horizon, Angelicum Primarosa Montessori, and Immaculate Conception Academy. ||
