Congrats to Prof. Khrysta Rara! Finalist, 2011 Golden Dove Awards for Science and Technology Program for her show in DZUP, “Kwentuhang Pets, Atbp”!!    The awarding ceremonies are set on Oct. 26, 2011, 7pm, Star Theatre.  Big, big thanks, big hugs,  to the DZUP station and program managers, to the faculty of the U.P. Broadcast Department, especially to Prof. Rose Feliciano, Prof. Mel Estonillo, and Prof. Jane Vinculado, and many others…     (photo from department file)

     Prof. Khrysta Rara, the  winning host-executive producer of the show has opened our eyes to  issues  concerning domesticated animals like the government policy of “tambuchogassing” of dogs which has since been stopped by authorities, the need to spay and neuter pets and stray animals to control their populations, the illegal dog meat trade, pet adoptions, the training of dogs used in security  operations as well as the rescue of animals during natural disasters.

     The show also featured  environmental concerns like biodiversity and wildlife conservation. An episode each was devoted to the illegal wildlife trade, the Wildlife Conservation Act, the importance of preserving caves as habitat, the dolphin slaughters in Japan and importation of these animals by Philippine firms, Philippine land and marine mammals, as well as the conservation efforts to save the endangered endemic species like the tamaraw, Philippine eagle, pawikan, reticulated python, the dugong and others.

 Guests featured in the program include  singer/ songwriter and environmentalist Joey Ayala, ANC news anchor Pia Hontiveros, GMA7 Senior Reporter Joseph Morong, environmentalist and “Running Priest” Fr. Robert Reyes, DENR Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau (PAWB) Director Dr. Mundita Lim, CSSP Dean and Phil. Daily Inquirer columnist Dr. Michael Tan, UP Veterinary Hospital Director Dr. Karlo Gicana and many more experts and enthusiasts in the fields of wildlife conservation and animal protection.

      Congrats, again, Khrysta!