The well-loved Palawan Hill mynah (Gracula religiosa palawensis), locally known as Kyao or “Talking Mynah,” is now declared as the flagship species of the municipality of Rizal.
The declaration, through the ordinance filed by Sangguniang Bayan Member Arvin Fuentes, aims to create awareness about the preservation and conservation of the bird, in which Rizal is one of its habitats on the island.
Docketed as the Palawan Hill Mynah Ordinance with No. 2019-015, it was already approved by the Sangguniang Bayan last December 23, 2019.
The ordinance also ordered the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO) and Palawan Council for Sustainable Development to plan and strictly enforce appropriate laws against illegal poaching and trading of Mynah.
The Palawan Hill Mynah now officially serves as the symbol or icon of Rizal in terms of endangered species, which will remind people the importance of protecting it.
A fund of not less than P100,000 is appropriated by the Municipal Government of Rizal for the full implementation of the ordinance.