Govt urged to protect seashell fossils site in Palawan

PUERTO PRINCESA CITY - Environmentalists here called on the government to protect a site containing seashell fossils.

Residents of Mangingisda village fear the site could be damaged by vandalism and trash.

“Kung baga, nandito yung history na nakikita natin. Kaso lang na-eexploit na ng mga pumupunta dito. So sana ma-preserve, maprotektahan itong area at malinis,” said scientist Rafael Picardal, who specializes in mollusks.

(History is here for us to see. However, people who come here exploit it. We should preserve and protect the area, keep it clean.)

Picardal found the seashell fossils in the area, which is also home to century-old mangroves.

“You could have tours here like science tours that show the protection of the mangroves... this place would be like a mini natural living museum,” said local environmentalist, Diana Limjoco.

According to the Palawan Council for Sustainable Development, the protection of the place is the responsibility of the barangay.

Picardal has coordinated with the National Museum to send paleontologists and geologists to study the area.