SALIMBABATANG – A BLESSING OR A CURSE



            Banga, a tapestry of ancient traditions and modern innovation, waves digital wanderers with its diverse landscape and vibrant culture. Known for its cross that oversees the whole town and the term “Beautiful” that unifies the town.

            However, when the dawn of the night covered the town, people were fleeing in fright near the Rotonda crossroads, covering their heads and rushing into shady areas.

The nemesis is neither a man nor a beast but a small bird with a magnificent gleaming cobalt blue and tawny colored Barn Swallows or the "salimbabatang" that hung among the electricity wires above the Rotonda.

With its smelly odor that penetrates your deepest senses and swirls throughout the rotonda, people were arguing about how to eliminate the salimbabatang. A Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) official cautioned residents not to harm or kill the birds.

“Doing so is prohibited under Republic Act 9147, or the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act,” said Ma. Corazon Teodosio, senior ecosystem management specialist, DENR-Aklan.

Salimbabatang typically breeds man-made structures such as electricity lines and posts that resemble a Christmas ornament, but don't be surprised and stay since it will unleash their white poops that descend like rain that can put humans at risk of contracting airborne diseases.       

            Some may find it a nuisance but some as an attraction. The presence of these wildlife species in Banga is a blessing to the Banganhon since it gives opportunities for bird viewing for local tourists and bird enthusiasts, hence boosting Banga's ecotourism industry and a reminder of an indicator of healthy biodiversity.

            Now, is it a blessing or curse? Whatever it might be, what matters the most is how we promote the advocacy of protecting this species around us. For it reflects who we are, where we are, and what we are.

 

 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Image
    CROSSING THROUGH STREAM OF DREAMS           Mission Ready           One of the societal problems in our country is Education, millions of poor children are affected by the lack of access to basic necessities like power, water, and amenities, particularly in rural communities. But still, some people are willing to change the lives of youths.           He is Sir Lito, a man whom everyone admires as a teacher, an epitome of knowledge. In school, you might see him wearing a usual uniform for boys, loose slacks, a large size top, and a Jose Rizal-like hairstyle to make himself presentable when in class. He walks with pride with his shoes that shine all throughout the corridor gearing up and getting ready as he starts his mission to the community.           Rowing Forward                     Sir Lito travels from Badiangan, Banga to Daja Norte, Banga where he works as an elementary teacher at Daja Norte Elementary School. Most of them travel through the Akean river where they ride in a
Read more
Image
  ASU JOINS Q3 NATIONWIDE EARTHQUAKE DRILL photo from the School of Arts and Science Student Council           To practice earthquake disaster preparedness, Aklan State University joins the 3 rd National Earthquake Drill at the circular lawn, Wednesday, September 7.           The drill was attended by the faculty members, students, and staff from different departments of Aklan State University – Banga Campus. Students, faculty members, and staff performed duck, cover, and hold in the area where they were assigned.           “Even though some people might find it funny when we practice the activity, it's important since it will enable us to respond and act quickly if the real one occurs,” said Mr. Jeric Tersol, SAS faculty member.           “As a freshman student here at ASU, the drill allows us to be responsible not just about ourselves but to help others in times of emergency,” said Ms. Roxan Mae Barrios from the Bachelor of Science in Education Major in Science.            
Read more
Image
  USC HOLDS ORG. ENLISTMENT, DO-DAY ‘23 photo from RADIO101                    “The most important is you belong to an organization that  can help you with your studies, growth, and development as a person.”           This was the statement of Ms. Mary Loannie Tenazas, Guidance Counselor III as she led the ribbon cutting ceremony for the Registration Day and Do-Day 2023 at Amphitheater, Wednesday, September 13.      The activity aims to help various Aklan State University – Banga organizations gather and recruit new student members to join their desired organizations.         “The ASU is an institution that provides different opportunities to students to learn and grow as an individual,” said University Student Council Vice President Sean Michael S. Cuare during his opening remarks.         "May we allow ourselves to be open to new experiences and learning together with ASU students.", said Sean Michael Cuare, University Student Council Vice President.      S tudents cooper
Read more