Understanding the environment around us

Featuring the Grade 10 batch spending a day at Las Piñas-Parañaque Wetland Park

By Tanmay Nagar – Grade 10E

On April 27, the Grade 10E class visited the Las Piñas–Parañaque Wetland Park (LPPWP), a protected area south of Manila. The LPPWP is a vital ecosystem, which acts as a version of a natural water filter and habitat for diverse species. It plays an important role in mitigating pollution and supporting biodiversity in Metro Manila. The field trip itself allowed the Biology and Geography students to apply the knowledge they have been cramming for their upcoming IGCSEs, which helped understand the activity of sampling at a better level.

Random Sampling is a process in which every part of a dedicated area has an equal chance of being chosen, this is greatly used to study plant density in forests (Such as in a Mangrove Forest). Random sampling, what we had used, is used to reduce the chance of bias, which increases the accuracy of the whole process.

The day began with simple bird watching for the biology students, but this activity was focused more for the geography students to be able to observe species and their diversity and understand the ecological significance of wetlands. Carrying quadrats into “Freedom Island,” students practiced data collection techniques, applying lessons learned in class to field conditions. Although the hard heat, kind of made the measurement taking process harder. It was more or less a rewarding experience, since the scenery was an experience which made us forget about the thorns, ouch!

Nevertheless, the biology students also conducted water testing in both inland and coastal areas. By measuring pH levels and detecting pollutants such as mercury, which provided a more solid structure towards the idea of pollution and its damage towards aquatic life. While the geography students went to the coastal region, to sample the trash discovered in the area, using the same process of random sampling. Thankfully, as the awareness for the effect of trash (mainly for aquatic life) is increasing, the trash had shown to decrease significantly in comparison to the earlier years with the previous 10th graders!

Aside from the hard practical assessments performed by the 10th graders, the sanctuary did birth some areas for exploration which didn't need to be written down—such as observing crabs along the coast, interacting with peers, and experiencing the environment directly. These activities, while less structured, contributed to a deeper appreciation of nature and its fragility.

The visit concluded at the LPPW museum, where students learned more about the global importance of wetlands. Despite covering only 6% of Earth’s land, wetlands support 40% of all plant and animal species. This reinforced the broader ecological significance of the park and its role in sustaining biodiversity.

The Grade 10E trip to LPPWP was more than a school outing; it was hands-on science outside the classroom. Students appollution andcal knowledge to real-world contexts, observed the

effects of pollution, and understood the ecological importance of wetlands. The experience emphasized the need for conservation and provided valuable lessons in environmental stewardship. As the final field trip with Ms. Grisela, it also marked the end of one journey and sparked the start of a new one.