The renouncing glory of Zamboanga City’s hosting of the 9th Philippine Bird Festival in 2014 marked the success of the 1st Zamboanga Bird Fest held in 2015. Just last week, I was in Zamboanga City thru the invitation of the Department of Tourism Region IX to be part of the 2nd Zamboanga Bird Festival from February 22-24, 2016. This is actually my 5th time to visit Zamboanga City and I am so delighted as it's one of my favorite cities in Mindanao.
Organized by the Zamboanga State College of Marine Sciences and Technology in collaboration with the City Government of Zamboanga, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Department of Tourism Region IX, and in partnership with Wild Bird Club of the Philippines, the theme for this year’s bird festival is "Cuida Y ProtΓ©gΓ© la Vida del pajaro" (Save and Protect Birdlife).
The goal of the bird festival is to create a connection with the public and make them very much aware on how important it is to be responsible in protecting the environment and everything living in it.
The Zamboanga Bird Festival featured several activities such as Photo Exhibits, Poster Making Contest, Amateur Photography Competition, Birds Festival Fun Run called "RUN TO SAVE OUR BIRDS", Symposiums and Film Showing at the Audio-Visual Room of Zamboanga State College of Marine Sciences and Technology (ZSCMST) and on-site Bird watching activities at the different bird watching sites around Zamboanga City.
Zamboanga City is considered as home to the 186 rare and endemic species as well as migratory birds. To many bird watchers, both foreign and local, seeing the flock of migratory barn and pacific swallows rest on the electric cables along downtown Zamboanga thrills them. The birds flock to the electric wires at the "pueblo" as their temporary residence during night time and leave before sunrise. Despite the local authorities not having a clear explanation for this, they believe it is because these birds are very much comfortable despite them being vulnerable to human threats. So, if you're in Zamboaga City, be sure to visit the downtown and be amazed by the many barn and pacific swallows resting on the electric cables at night.
Another site where the migratory birds love to go to is the famous Las Islas de Sta. Cruz Islands. We went there on the first day of the festival and explored the lagoon teeming with lush mangroves where we saw some Purple Herons, Egrets, Philippines Wild Ducks and a lot more. Exploring the lagoon on a paddle boat is one of the best experiences I had on this visit to Zamboanga City.
The 2nd Zamboanga Bird Festival is also part of the the city's celebration of Dia de la Ciudad de Zamboanga (Charter Day of Zamboanga City). They take pride in raising awareness to the public throughout the city through certain campaigns such as exciting bird watching activities and symposium for students. More to that, the festival also aims to promote Zamboanga City as a prime bird watching destination in the country.
I am so happy to be part of the 2nd Zamboanga Bird Festival. Thank you DOT Region 9, especially to Regional Director MJ Bugante for inviting us to be part of this event.
Read More:
- 30 Best Things to Do in Zamboanga City
- The Pink Sand Beach of Sta. Cruz Island
- Exploring the Lagoon on Sta. Cruz Island, Zamboanga City
- Visiting the Old Badjao Burial Grounds on Sta Cruz Island
- WHERE TO EAT: 8 Must-try Food in Zamboanga City
- Riding the Colorful Vinta in Zamboanga City
- Pasonanca and Freedom Parks, Mt. Pulong Bato and La Jardin de Maria Clara Lobregat
- Bienvenidos Ciudad de Zamboanga!, a DIY Walking Tour
- TRAVEL TIP: How to Get in and Out of Zamboanga City Airport
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