Ma. Eunice M.

Cruz
Malabon National High School (05/2010)

I Hold the Future: Preserving the Philippine Biodiversity

Every single day, as I arouse myself from a dream of a paradise

where everything exists in harmony and in perfect balance, I yearn for a
time when I get to experience the blessings of mother earth. But then I
realize that a dream always comes to an end, and that my dreams are the
irony to our environment. These may be the extinction of some species,
habitat fragmentation, exotic species introductions, pollution and Global
climate change. With these, I feel the disappointment that these dilemmas
beget in me. But I know that I must do something to achieve the goals and
secure a better future for the Philippines.
With more than 7,100 islands fall within its borders, the Philippines is
identified as one of the worlds biologically richest countries. But it is also
one of the most endangered areas. According to the countrys Environment
and National Resources Department, more than half of the native fauna in
the Philippines face the threat of extinction. Of the 1.137 bird, mammal and
amphibian species endemic to the country, 592 are considered threatened
or endangered along with 227 endemic species of flowering plants. One of
the examples is the critically endangered Philippine eagle. Many people
have spent years trying to bring the species back from the brink of
extinction. Aside from extinction of species, one of the largest factors
contributing to the loss of biodiversity is Habitat loss, which is due to the
exploitation of resources, agricultural conversion and urbanization.
Atmospheric and hydrologic pollution have far-reaching negative effects on
biodiversity. Pollution from burning fossil fuels such as oil, coal and gas
have a tendency to remain in the air as particle pollutants then eventually
fall to the ground as acid rain. Primarily composed of sulfuric acid and nitric
acid, the acid rain causes acidification of lakes, streams and sensitive
forest soils. Moreover, many species are vulnerable to the indirect effects of
pollution through the concentration of toxic chemicals. These chemicals

may affect some fish species by polluting the streams that serve as
spawning areas, thus, ultimately diminishing the fish populations. The
global climate change is also one of the threats to biodiversity. The carbon
dioxide released from burning fossil fuels and biomass, deforestation, and
agricultural practices contributes to greenhouse gases, which prevent heat
from escaping the earths surface. This means that there will be higher
levels of air pollution, greater variability in weather patterns, and changes in
the distribution of vegetation in the landscape. There will be some species
that will not be able to adapt to these changes in the environment and will
become extinct. Infestation by alien species is also a major threat to the
ecosystems. The international and inadvertent introductions of a wide
variety of species to ecosystems in which they do not belong have resulted
in ecosystems that differ radically in structure and function from those
originally present. Exotic species are typically introduced into ecosystems
without their co-evolved predators and parasites, which enables an alien
invader to out-compete native species with similar ecological requirements.
The interactions between native species are altered or destroyed by these
exotic species, and can result in the destruction of native biodiversity. So all
of these will result in destruction of biodiversity.
Diversity in all living things enriches our lives, but more importantly,
biodiversity is essential to life on earth. Biodiversity not only maintains as
functional environment, it is a resource for food, shelter, clothing and other
materials. The economy relies on diversity since it provides a variety of
ecosystem services, which are critical to human survival and the economy.
Different organisms are responsible for controlling invasive or pest species,
maintaining soil fertility, pollinating and thereby maintaining diverse
vegetation, purifying air and water, and regulating climate. Medicine also
relies on biodiversity since most pharmaceutical drugs are derived either
directly or indirectly from wild species, mainly plants. The medicinal
properties of biodiversity are important for human health as well as
scientific research and the economy. Since the Philippines is known as a
country blessed with natural wonders, namely Tubatana Reefs, Banaue
Rice Terraces, Mayon Volcano and some other captivating places,
therefore these gifts of nature are the reason why tourists consider the

Philippines as one of their dream destination, aside from the hospitality of

the Filipinos.
As the student, I can think of numerous ways in contributing to the
preservation of biodiversity. I will purchase goods and services from
companies that are environmentally responsible. I will plant a garden of
native plants around our home or at our school. In this way, I can help to
preserve plant species as well as create habitat for wildlife. I will also
maintain valuable wildlife on our property such as large trees, wetlands and
natural shoreline. Ill consider donating part of our land to a preservation
agency, or placing a conservation covenant on our land to protect valuable
natural areas from future development. I will join campaigns and programs
promoting the preservation of the environment. With these programs, we
can encourage the youth and at the same time the adults. And lastly, I
should serve as a good example or a role model to everyone when it
comes to the restoration of the biodiversity.

There are more than two hundred countries in the world but there is
only one country considered as the pearl of the orient. And all its treasures
were bequeathed to us by our ancestors. So it is our responsibility to
maintain the beauty of the Philippines just like how it used to look. If I, a
simple student, can make a stand for the improvement of the countrys
biodiversity. And if everyone especially the youth could work hand in hand,
we can make the impossibilities a reality. Millions of simple deeds can
make a huge difference. Let us not be pessimistic of the current situation
because even youths can work miracles. I know that the nope of the future
is within my hands as well as yours.