The provincial government strengthened its conservation and preservation initiatives with the establishment of the Antique Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Center (AWRRC).

The provincial government allocated PHP1 million for the newly established AWRRC Phase I for the endangered Visayan spotted deer and other wildlife that will need shelter and treatment.

It stands on a seven-hectare lot owned by the provincial government in Barangay Igbucagay.

“Although we don’t have the number of the Visayan spotted deer because we were not able to conduct a census, there are reports of their presence in San Remigio and Sibalom,” Office of the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources (OPENRO) head Vivian Marfil said in an interview on Friday.

The AWRRC can also cater to other wildlife such as Visayan warty pigs and birds.

It is supervised by OPENRO in coordination with the Office of the Provincial Veterinarian and Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

“The Office of the Provincial Veterinarian will be in charge of the needed treatment of injured wildlife while the DENR, which is in charge of the enforcement, could refer their rescued wildlife to the AWRRC,” she said.

Marfil appealed to the public not to hunt wildlife and help in their conservation.

“The wildlife has a role to play in our environment that we need to conserve and preserve them,” Marfil said. (PNA)