LAOAG CITY, Ilocos Norte (PIA) — The Ilocos Region has launched its first Birding Caravan, an initiative led by the Department of Tourism (DOT) Region 1 in partnership with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Northwestern University, and local government units in the region to support nature tourism and bird conservation.
The caravan brought together birding experts and conservationists from across the country, including members of ornithological groups such as Birds in Focus, Inc., Bird Finder Philippines, Wild Bird Photographers of the Philippines, Wild Bird Club of the Philippines, and the Balete Conservancy.
From south to north
The caravan kicked off in Pangasinan and traveled through La Union, Ilocos Sur, and Ilocos Norte, visiting nature-rich places where birds live.
Participants explored areas such as Manleluag Spring Protected Landscape (Mangatarem, Pangasinan), Bangrin Marine Protected Area (Bani, Pangasinan), Mt. Balungao Hilltop Adventure and Hot Spring (Balungao, Pangasinan), Agoo-Damortis Protected Landscape and Seascape (Agoo, La Union), Dulao Mangrove Park (Aringay, La Union), Suyo Eco Mountain Resort (Suyo, Ilocos Sur), Bessang Pass National Monument Landmark (Cervantes, Ilocos Sur), Paoay Lake National Park (Paoay, Ilocos Norte), and Kalbario-Patapat Natural Park (Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte).
These places include wetlands, forests, mangroves, and marine areas that are important homes for many birds, including migrating and local species.
Connecting conservation with tourism
Loryna Fonacier, supervising tourism operations officer of DOT Region 1, said, “As the current chair of the Regional Ecotourism Committee, DOT is actively promoting the conservation and protection of the environment through sustainable tourism initiatives in protected areas.”
Around 30 participants—from budding birdwatchers to seasoned ornithologists—joined the event, identifying at least 119 bird species across the region.
Ivan Sarenas of the Wild Bird Club of the Philippines said that more people should learn about and try birdwatching.
“I want more people to discover and appreciate birdwatching. This is how we normalize it—by bringing it to more communities and showing how accessible and enriching it is,” he said.
Meanwhile, Gaye Acacio, chief tourism operations officer of DOT Region 1, also shared that birdwatching is more than just a fun outdoor activity.
“Birdwatching is more than just a leisure activity—it fosters conservation, encourages responsible travel, and can even support local livelihoods,” she said.
Flight toward the future
Organizers see the caravan as a starting point for more ecotourism projects in Northern Luzon.
They hope that birdwatching can help protect nature, educate the public, and create jobs.
Organizers expressed optimism that this pilot initiative would inspire similar programs nationwide—helping preserve the Philippines’ rich avian biodiversity for generations to come. (AMB/MTDA/TPNC, PIA Ilocos Norte)
