January 23, 2023 — The City Tourism Office, primarily in charge of developing and promoting the city’s tourism industry and headed by Mr. Norlie Castro, with guidance from the Balanga City Tourism Council led by Mayora Raquel Garcia, conducted the 2023 Annual Asian Water Bird Census on Saturday, January 21.

This undertaking was done in partnership with the Wild Bird Club of the Philippines (WBCP) led by Mr. Mike Lu, and DENR-Bataan. The Balanga City Wetland and Nature Park (BCWNP) in barangay Tortugas and coastal areas in barangays Pto. Rivas (Ibaba, Itaas, and Lote), Sibacan, and Tuyo were among the places chosen to observe the birds.

Councilor Jowee Nisay Zabala and Pto. Rivas Lote barangay captain Mr. Richard Sioson were present and actively participated to demonstrate support for the city’s best practices and cultural resources.

The census aims to track changes in water bird populations, the condition of the region’s wetlands, and raise public awareness.

This year’s tally of 16,078 water birds—an increase of 8.61% over last year—indicates the existence of a good ecosystem despite the typhoon that struck the City of Balanga.