The City Government of Balanga, in collaboration with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) – Bataan and the Wild Bird Club of the Philippines (WBCP), actively participated in the annual Asian Waterbird Census on January 27, 2024.

Led by the City Tourism Office headed by Mr. Norlie Castro, this collaborative effort aimed to monitor the distribution, population, and trends of waterbirds, as well as assess the status of wetlands across the Asian region.

The event took place at barangay Tortugas, Sibacan, and Pto. Rivas (Ibaba, Itaas, and Lote), which revealed a total count of 16,410 waterbirds – an increase of 322 waterbirds or 2.06% from the previous year. The census identified 31 species, with five new additions, showcasing the city’s commitment to environmental awareness.