Oro wildlife conservation draft ordinance to be refined

THE City Council Committee on Environment, led by Councilor Roger G. Abaday, has moved to refine the draft "Cagayan de Oro Wildlife Resource Conservation Ordinance" following recommendations from the City Veterinary Office.

This, after the City Veterinarian Dr. Perla Asis submitted proposals to be integrated into the ordinance.

City Mayor Rolando A. Uy, in his letter to the City Council, emphasized that the proposed ordinance is vital for preserving the city’s endemic flora and fauna. It also proposes the establishment of a Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Center at the old dumpsite in Zayas, Carmen.

The draft ordinance covers all wildlife species within the city’s territorial jurisdiction, including protected areas under RA 7586 or the National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS), and critical habitats.

It will also apply to exotic species subject to trade, cultured, maintained, and bred in captivity or propagated within the city.

The mayor further noted that the draft ordinance is a mandatory component of the Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG) indicators for 2025, The Gavel learned.