Wetlands are unheard body of waters to some, but it plays a critical part in our natural environment. They protect the shores from wave action, prevents flooding and a precious habitat to terrestrial and aquatic wildlife species. In the province of Negros Occidental, a coastal wetland named Negros Occidental Coastal Wetlands Conservation Area (NOCWCA) is a contiguous wetlands area with a coastline of 109.52 kilometers. It covers the municipalities of Pulupandan, Valladolid, San Enrique, Pontevedra, Hinigaran, Binalbagan, Ilog and the cities of Bago, Himamaylan and Kabankalan. Named as the 7thRamsarsite in the Philippines and the 4th East Asian Australasian Flyway Network Site in the Philippines, NOCWCA is one of the richest and most diverse coastal resources in Western Visayas, particularly mangroves andis home to economically important species such as oysters, green mussels nylon shells, angel wings shells, shrimps, and crabs.

Wetlands, water and life are inseparable: Protect NOCWCA, protect lives. (2021, February 17). Daily Guardian, pp. 8, 10.