Ang Pahayagan

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), through its provincial and community offices in Bataan, recorded a total of 8,112 waterbirds in Balanga City and the town of Pilar during this year’s Asian Waterbird Census (AWC).

Raul Mamac, head of the DENR provincial office in Bataan, said the census is still ongoing, with monitoring teams documenting 35 migratory bird species and five additional species, including the Brahminy Kite, Common Kingfisher, White-collared Kingfisher, Swallow, and Osprey.

Among the most frequently observed species were the Great Egret, Little Egret, and Whiskered Tern, particularly in the Balanga City Wetland and Nature Park and in selected barangays across the province.

The bird monitoring activity was conducted with the participation of personnel from the DENR provincial and community offices, along with representatives from the local government units of Balanga City and Pilar, the Wild Bird Club of the Philippines, the Provincial Tourism Office of Bataan, the City Tourism Office of Balanga, the Provincial Veterinary Office of Bataan, and Oceana Philippines.

DENR Regional Executive Director Ralph Pablo underscored the importance of protecting bird habitats, calling for collective action to address biodiversity loss.

 “To combat biodiversity loss and preserve vital bird habitats, we urge communities and government workers to share responsibility in conserving wetlands and complying with stricter environmental regulations,” Pablo said.

 📸 DENR Central Luzon