The Las Piñas-Parañaque Wetland Park: An Ecotourism Oasis in Manila Bay
Hidden at the perimeter of the bustling Metro Manila lies a tranquil escape for nature enthusiasts and bird watchers alike: the Las Piñas-Parañaque Wetland Park (LPPWP).
This park, previously known as the Las Piñas-Parañaque Critical Habitat and Ecotourism Area (LPPCHEA), gained its present title and status as a national protected area in 2018, following its recognition under Republic Act No. 11038, the Expanded National Integrated Protected Area Act. Its origins trace back to 2007, established by Presidential Proclamation No. 1412.
Boardwalk at the Las Piñas-Parañaque Wetland Park
Photo from Las Piñas-Parañaque Wetland Park’s Facebook page.
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The wetland area is considered an accidental product of reclamation projects related to the extension of Roxas Boulevard into Cavite in the 1970s, now known as the Manila-Cavite Coastal Road or Cavitex. The islands emerged unexpectedly after the project’s completion, believed to have been formed by the accumulation of waste and debris from the Coastal Road project and other sources. Informal settlers later took residence on the island, but they were requested to vacate when the LPPCHEA was created.
Besides local legislation, the Las Piñas-Parañaque Wetland Park is also protected under the Ramsar Convention, an agreement signed by numerous countries in 1971 in Ramsar, Iran, dedicated to the conservation of specific wetlands worldwide. The park was included in this agreement in March 2013. Furthermore, several other agreements safeguard the site, including the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS) in 1994, the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) in 1992, and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) in in 1973.
The area consists of two sections: Freedom Island to the north, near the Bay City reclamation, and Long Island to the south. Entry is via an access road along Cavitex on the southbound side, close to Parañaque City College. A long bridgeway connects the park complex located between the two sections of the island. Freedom Island’s western side features an extensive beach that looks out onto Manila Bay.
A Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) office and a visitor center are available to serve park visitors. The park’s Wetland Center Museum was inaugurated earlier this February. While entrance to the park is complimentary, visitors are advised to provide advance notice of their visit.
The waters around the park are home to a variety of fish species, which are also a food source for the birds and other wildlife.
Screengrab from Celine and Dennis Murillo’s YouTube Channel.
A Wildlife and Fauna Reserve
As a wildlife reserve, the LPPWP serves as a stopover and breeding ground for approximately 47 migratory bird species that travel the East Asian-Australasian migratory flyway. This migration route sees birds flying between China, Japan, Australia, and the Siberian region in Russia. The park is also home to many other species, such as the Little Egret, Common Sandpiper, and Black-Winged Stilt. The Philippine Duck is also known to breed there. With around 5,000 birds reported to visit each day, the park offers numerous opportunities for bird-watchers and wildlife photographers.
The waters around the park are home to a variety of fish species, which are also a food source for the birds and other wildlife.
Mangroves were planted on the island years ago to prevent erosion. In addition to these, other trees such as the bolong-eta and the alagau are also growing in the park. The nilad plant, from which the name Manila is believed to have originated, was reintroduced to the park due to its declining presence in areas where it was once abundant. Historically, the nilad could be found along the banks of the Pasig River.
A boardwalk through the mangrove forest allows visitors to appreciate the beauty of nature. The park is great venue for student field trips as it enables young people to learn about the value of nature and the importance of conservation efforts.
With around 5,000 birds reported to visit each day, the park offers numerous opportunities for bird-watchers and wildlife photographers.
Screengrab from Celine and Dennis Murillo’s YouTube channel.
Reclamation and Development Issues
Standing at the northern edge of the park, one would see the distant buildings of the southernmost Bay City reclamation. This highlights a potential issue for the park: further reclamation in the area. Reclamation projects are believed to cause flooding and storm surges in nearby areas. Moreover, some establishments release waste and harmful substances that can pollute the area and, in turn, adversely affect the local wildlife. For these reasons, several groups have protested against the reclamation projects.
Scattered waste and pollution continue to be a significant issue in the Manila Bay area. Clean-up efforts are frequently undertaken along the shores of the Wetland Park. But prevention is regarded as the more crucial step, achieved through comprehensive efforts covering the entirety of the Manila Bay coast.
Recently, the park was featured on the YouTube Channel of photographer, filmmaker, and environmentalist Celine Murillo and her husband, Dennis. Murillo dubbed the Wetland Park “Metro Manila’s Last Coastal Frontier,” highlighting that much of the eastern coastal parts of Manila Bay have been subject to private development. While the park is open and accessible to everyone, visitors are encouraged to explore and support it, thereby developing an appreciation for the various natural oases still accessible to those living in the metro.
Watch Celine and Dennis Murillo’s video about the LPPWP below:
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