Tacurong bird fest attract huge visitors

TACURONG CITY – More than 600 local and foreign tourists flocked to the 2nd Tacurong Bird Festival held at the Baras Bird Sanctuary here.

Mayor Lina Montilla said the recently concluded festival was a huge success. “The conduct of this Festival is our way of showcasing our eco-tourism gem, the Baras Bird Sanctuary, and also of promoting its conservation and protection,” she said.

Baras Bird Sanctuary is one of the ten most internationally important wetlands for water birds in the Philippines, according to DENR and the Wild Bird Club of the Philippines.

Montilla said festival goers were treated to a guided tour of the sanctuary and various art activities, including face painting, plastic bottle recycling, origami, ball cap-making, coloring for toddlers, and keychain painting.

The bird festival opened with a motorcade starting from the Tacurong City Hall to the Baras Bird Sanctuary. An opening program followed with Montilla leading the contingent of civil servants, including Councilors Rodrigo Jamorabon, Psyche Sucaldito, and Wilson Ferrer; among others. They also signed a pledge of commitment for the preservation, protection, and promotion of the Baras Bird Sanctuary.

The festival also hosted a forum graced by speakers Dr. Carmela Español, Institute of Biology of UP Diliman, on Ecosystem Function and which subject was the Services; Forester rich and diverse ecosystem Mangayao Macapodi, of the sanctuary, a Chief of Conservation and bird costume contest, and Development Division coloring contest for kids. DENR, on Endemism in According to the Mindanao; and Supt. Tacurong City Tourism Felix Servita Jr. who spoke Office, the festival drew on Wildlife Act and Enforcement. visitors from as far as Sarangani, South

Other festival activities Cotabato, and North included a Cotabato. photography contest in