Butterflies are free and thriving together with flora and fauna in sanctuary close to dumpsite

A FEW kilometers from the filthy San Mateo dumpsite is a haven of trees where more than 80 of the country's 1,600 species of butterflies thrive.

Located along Sumulong Highway, Assumption Antipolo's Pacem Eco-Park (tel. 650-2354 and 57) features a mini forest, wildlife sanctuary and aviary. Its biggest attraction is an English garden where bright monarch, bird wing, volina and idea butterflies flutter under a giant net.

You may have seen some of these winged insects in your gardens. The monarch, for instance, has a distinct orange color, while the white idea is defined by a pattern of black lines. As the country's national butterfly, its image used to grace the old 25-centavo coin.

Moths have also made the park their home. But since they're nocturnal insects, their exact number has yet to be determined by entomologists.

A two-story eco-center designed by architect Rene Jasareno houses a museum where preserved butterflies from various countries are framed. Some come from as far as Indonesia, Malaysia, Taiwan, New Guinea, even Colombia.

A big section, of course, is reserved for native butterflies--from species no bigger than a toe nail to large ones with wings spanning a small dinner plate.

Incidentally, one of the rare species (prantica m. fidelis) was named after former President Ramos, one of Pacem's most generous benefactors.

''The country is blessed with so many butterflies,'' says Sr. Luz Emmanuel Soriano. ''In fact, there could be more in our garden.''

Compare this to the 82 species from Europe and the 120 from Japan, and you'll understand why. Unfortunately, pollution, deforestation and wanton use of insecticides are pushing several native butterflies to extinction.

That's why Sister Luz wants to impart environmental awareness among Filipinos, especially children. She thought of turning more than two hectares of Assumption's vacant land into an ecology park several years ago.

Like most nuns from the Religious of the Assumption, Sister Luz is an educator. She's also a dedicated environmentalist who's been teaching and writing about the subject since 1980.

Assumption College is among the few green schools in the country which has integrated environmental education in its curriculum.

''Assumption is a green school,'' she says. ''Loving and caring for our environment start with the young.''

But Pacem -- Latin for peace -- is more than just a haven for butterflies. Nor is it exclusive to Assumption students. Because of its numerous attractions, it's an ideal weekend destination for families.

Like a typical tourist spot, it has an audio-visual room, conference hall, snack counter and souvenir shop. It plans to put up a library and animal hospital similar to those of wildlife sanctuaries abroad.

It also holds annual summer camps where kids from the Philippines, Taiwan, Malaysia, Australia and Japan have fun while tackling environmental issues.

Pacem's aviary shelters a number of native and foreign birds such as mynahs, owls, eagles, parrots, guinea fowls and zebra doves. You can even pat a tame yellow-faced eagle or coax a talkative mynah to say ''good morning.''

An area is reserved for several wild animals such as monkeys, bear cats and native squirrels. A snake pit has been converted into a shallow pond covered with waterlilies where hundreds of dragonflies lay their eggs.

But how did Pacem become a butterfly sanctuary in the first place?

Like most insects, butterflies readily gravitate and flourish among lush trees and flowers. In fact, Sister Luz and her five staffers didn't catch a single butterfly to put in the garden.

''They'll come to you,'' she explains, ''as long as there are lots of santan and lantana flowers they can feed on.''

If they're patient enough, regular guests can also witness how a hideous caterpillar morph into a lovely butterfly. Some butterflies have been so used to humans that they even alight on visitors' heads and shoulders.

Various lumber trees such as mahogany, kamagong, molave, acacia and narra crowd one side of the park. Fruit trees such as mango, star apple, atis, macopa, mabolo, santol and rambutan flourish across a creek that runs through the property.

Flower lovers are also in for a big surprise. A makeshift greenhouse has been filled with various orchids and flowering plants.

''The idea may have started with me,'' says Sister Luz, ''but I couldn't have done it alone.''

Most of the preserved butterflies, for instance, were given by collectors Justine Nuyda and Hiromi Hyuga. Sister Luz also parted with her personal collection.

The New Zealand embassy and private companies such as Van Melle donated money. Even students, parents and Assumption alumnae held various fund-raising activities such as food fairs and Christmas bazaars to help build the park.

But the bulk of money used for its construction came from President Ramos' social fund. The ''green'' president graced Pacem's formal opening a few weeks ago. He was joined by Nuyda, Hyuga and former Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office chair Manoling Morato.

''I'm unaware how much money went into the park,'' she admits. ''But it's a team effort that requires constant attention and support.''