LET’S CONTROL INVASIVE PLANT SPECIES

I have already written about invasive marine species, but I was surprised to find out that there are also invasive plant species. In the case of invasive marine species, it is clearly the BFAR that is in charge. But who is in charge of invasive plant species? Is it the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI), or is it the Biodiversity Management Bureau (BMB)?

My first question is, is the government fully aware or conscious about the need to control invasive plant species? My second question is, does the government know what are the species that they are supposed to control? Based on my limited research, these are large leaf mahogany, paper mulberry, Siam weed, coronitas, water hyacinth and believe it or not, ipil-ipil.

Among the six, water hyacinth is the most widely known, because they are so pervasive and are seen all over the country. Two of them have been here so long that they have already acquired local names. Siam weed is known as Hagonoy, and coronitas is known as baho-baho. Water hyacinth is also commonly known as water lily.

Just to be clear, not all alien plant species are invasive, and many are not destructive. I think what is important is for the government and the people to know which is which, so that we both would know if we come face to face with the problem. We know where to find the water lilies, but what about the other five? Perhaps what is needed is a location map so that we would know where to control them.

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DOG POUNDS VERSUS ANIMAL RESCUE CENTERS

The difference between a dog pound and an animal rescue center is equal to the difference between a jail and a hospital. While the reason for the difference might appear to be legal, in reality it is cultural.

What I mean is that it is the culture that dictates the way we treat our animals and the way we make our laws. We hardly know what really happens in a dog pound, but what I hear is that some of the animals are euthanized when they are not claimed by a legitimate owner. Perhaps the reason for killing the animal is the lack of budget, but is there no other way?

Based on the practice in other countries, it is more humane to put these animals for adoption, instead of killing them. Prior to adoption by permanent owners, they have a system of these animals going to temporary foster homes. More often than not, the fostering and adoption system works, and the animals are saved.

Without any doubt, I believe that the LGUs should be putting up animal rescue centers instead of dog pounds. Probably, the LGU officials might think that animal welfare is a lower priority compared to the welfare of people, but they should realize that the lack of animal rescue centers also affects public health. I am very sure that if only the street dogs are rescued and given veterinary interventions, they would be welcomed by permanent foster homes.