Perhaps the senator’s affinity with the country’s farmers also explains her advocacy for the environment, most evident in her championing of a protected area within her and her congressman-son Mark’s constituency of Las Piñas—the wetlands along Manila Bay and Las Piñas River. She shared with evident glee news of the impending launch of the “Las Piñas-Zapote River Cruise,” an ecotourism project funded by the Department of Tourism that will include stops of both historical and ecological significance, including the wetlands. The area, on which thrives perhaps the last remaining mangrove reservation and bird sanctuary in an urban setting in the country, is also being developed as a site for sightseeing, bird-watching, and teaching the public about the importance of preserving and caring for the environment.

Jimenez-David, R. (2015, September 9). Villar champions farmers and the environment. Philippine Daily Inquirer, p. A13.