The San Carlos City Environment Management Office (CEMO) said it released three wildlife species back to their natural habitat March 22.
CEMO Wildlife and Biodiversity Conservation staff Cristopher Rey Atilano identified these species as a Negros-Panay monitor lizard and Eastern grass owls.
CEMO Wildlife and Forestry Division released the lizard at the Memorial Tree Park in Sitio Medina, Brgy. Rizal, while the owls sheltered at a temporary evacuation center in Sitio Camarin, Brgy. Guadalupe, were allowed to fly away from the center’s vicinity.
The catch and release of the monitor lizard followed after the City Savings Bank personnel informed the local government unit of its presence in the area and their failed attempts to catch it, a press release from the city said.
CEMO staff, led by Atilano, also briefed personnel of the temporary evacuation center and City Savings Bank on the importance of releasing captured wildlife.
He encouraged them to directly report any sightings of wildlife to CEMO, or through its official Facebook page, so the staff can prepare for a safe release of the wildlife to its natural habitat.
Meanwhile, the city joined the worldwide Global Earth Hour event March 23.
From 8:30 to 9:30 p.m., the City Hall, major streets and landmark lights were turned off, and replaced by colorful lamps made from recycled materials, such as plastic bottles and LED lights.
The Earth Hour observance took place at the City Hall grounds, led by Councilor Armando Laguda Jr., chairperson of the Sangguniang Panlungsod Committee on Environmental Protection and Natural Resources, along with CEMO staff.
CENRO Engr. Loreto Sanchez also emphasized the significance of the event, adding that it’s a global movement aimed at raising awareness and promoting energy conservation.
He said that even small actions like turning off non-essential lights for an hour can contribute to reducing global warming. ||
