By Kate Giordan Flores
Amid noise threats on CENTROP animals
Following caretakers’ concerns on potential risks of loud sounds to endemic animals in the Silliman University (SU) Zoo, the SU Student Government (SUSG) vowed to implement safety measures and proper coordination when holding activities near the sanctuary.
The SUSG recently moved the 2025 Sillimusika concert from the Ravello Field to the Filomeno Cimafranca Ballfield, a few meters away from the SU Center for Tropical Conservation Studies (CENTROP).
SU CENTROP currently houses some of the most endangered species in the country such as the Visayan warty pig, spotted deer, and leopard cat, Negros bleeding-heart pigeon, and Philippine box turtle and crocodile.
According to CENTROP coordinator Prof. Leandro Cabrera, such music events and other activities conducted near the zoo caused animals to be “restless.”
“I can say kaning Bleeding Heart and Warty Pigs are the most affected by loud sounds because sila ang pinaka malapit [sa Cimafranca]. For sure, affected pud ang Spotted Deer, but relatively layo sila.” he said.
Cabrera noted that these animals are sensitive and tend to run into their enclosure walls or hide behind visual barriers when exposed to loud sounds.
SUSG President Grylle Adrian Malala responded to concerns, stating they coordinated with the administrators in-charge of the ballfield.
“We have worked closely with our lights and sounds provider to limit sound levels effectively, ensuring the music no longer disturbs areas outside the grounds,” he said.
On conducting music events near the zoo, Malala confirmed that they secured official approval from the administrators considering they would implement strict measures to “minimize disturbances on the animals.”
Aside from music events, other campus activities held at the ballfield are the Parada Sillimaniana held annually during the SU Founder’s Day and regular training of the SU Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC).
Addressing safety, funding concerns
With the zoo situated beside the ballfield, Cabrera explained that it is not possible to “shut down all the music for the sake of the animals” as it is located at the center of Dumaguete City.
“So we are doing our best, like enhancing the enclosure, to make sure that they have safe spaces. If they are threatened or don’t feel secure, usually they hide in those areas,” he said.
Cabrera also mentioned that some of these species populations were transferred at a separate
facility at Palinpinon, Valencia, which also hosted the captive breeding program for the Philippine spotted deer and other threatened tree species.
“At present, we are aiming to leave some animals here, because the other facility is off limits, so we can’t talk about conservation with the public schools if we transfer all the animals there,” he explained.
Moreover, Cabrera noted that they cannot transfer more animals to the secluded facility due to their limited resources.
Meanwhile, SUSG Vice President Antonio Delicana shared that they aim to provide awareness and financial assistance to the sanctuary through Miss Silliman’s newest-segment this year.
According to Delicana, the “Threads of the Threatened” advocacy will carry on year-round under the Miss Silliman Foundation and through the leadership of this year’s royal court.
“On the part of the SUSG, of which the Miss Silliman Committee is an integral arm, we remain steadfast in our commitment to protecting the animals and advancing their welfare,” he said.
As of writing, the Office of the Executive Director for Research, Publication, and Innovation has yet to respond to the Weekly Sillimanian’s inquiry on the CENTROP’s funding and relocation.
