THE Protected Area Management and Biodiversity Conservation Section (PAMBCS) here of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in Northern Mindanao is encouraging different sectors and stakeholders to join the annual international migratory bird count dubbed as the “Asian waterfowl census on January 13 to 15, 2016.”
“The activity is the largest annual bird count for migratory birds which involves 51 countries, including the Philippines. Here in region 10 (Northern Mindano), we will conduct our bird count in the towns of Magsaysay, Gingoog, Opol, El Salvador, Alubijid in the province of Misamis Oriental; the towns of Kolambugan and Lala in Lanao del Norte and Misamis Occidental towns of Sinacaban and Bonifacio,” said Donato Bojo, Zoology technician of the PAMBCS who will head the team.
Bojo said the annual activity would be very significant for local government units, Non-Government Organizations (NGO) and for local tourism.
“This activity will be very significant for the LGUs, NGOs and for our tourism since it will serve as a valuable data base for future endeavors aimed toward tourism on bird watching and environmental conservation and protection. So far as of 2015 we have recorded around 29 species of migratory birds which means how healthy our local eco-system can sustain this number of migratory birds,” said Bojo.
Bojo explained that the activity happens every first month of the year.
“Records suggest that bird migration to the Philippines starts in September, but would be on its peak in January since it is the mid-winter in several areas covering Siberia, Korea, Japan and parts of China. Our area here in region 10 is a good stopover for migratory birds traveling southward to Australia, but sometimes they stay longer if there is appropriate supply of food,” said Bojo.
“The Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (Penro) personnel will be spearheading in the activity since there are only five of us in the region. We will then just supplement and guide the local environment team in the counting of birds in the different areas here in the region,” Bojo concluded.