Financial company Nasdaq partnered with nature conservation group Haribon Foundation to bring biodiversity education to over 400 students of Benigno Aquino High School in Makati City.
Using a built-in multimedia van called Biodiversity on Wheels (BOW), Nasdaq taught Grade 10 students about the Philippine wildlife and simple ways on how to protect the environment.
“The kids are very participative and I too got so engrossed with sharing trivia about the Philippine ecosystem and endangered species,” shared Chariss Garcia, volunteer from Nasdaq.
Among the unique species in the Philippines that were highlighted are the Philippine Eagle, large flying fox, leather back sea turtle, Visayan giant frog, Palawan birdwing, mameng, mushroom coral and lauan.
Students expressed their appreciation for the time spent by the volunteers to teach them about Philippine biodiversity and the environment. Many of them even clamored for a next run of BOW in their school.
According to Garcia, the volunteer experience made her understand about the endemic or unique species in the Philippines and their habitats.
“We need at least 54% forest cover to support their and our needs but we are now down to only 22.3% due to human activities. Only 1% of our coral reefs are in excellent condition,” lamented Garcia.
“Our ecosystem needs help to remain balanced. Take care of the environment and it will take care of us.”
Biodiversity on Wheels is made possible by donors and partners that support biodiversity conservation in the country. On its fifth year, BOW aspires to reach a total of 70,000 school children and youth from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.
Help Haribon keep BOW moving this 2017 by donating or sponsoring a child or more today.
Each PHP 200 donation brings biodiversity education to one more child in the country. Or consider sponsoring a complete BOW roll-out that reaches a classroom-full of children at PHP 10,000. To support, send an e-mail to [email protected] or call 911-6088.
Share the gift of BOW and make a lasting impact today!