In the early morning of February 29, 2023, the Plaza Mayor de Balanga came alive with vibrant colors and joyful rhythms as a parade marked the commencement of the 10th Ibong Dayo Festival with the theme “Ibong Dayo, Balik Sigla Tayo!” Leading the parade was Mayor Francis Anthony S. Garcia, accompanied by a multitude of participants including city officials and employees, Punong Barangays and SK Chairpersons, National Government Agencies (NGAs), Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), Deped Officials and Principals of public schools, as well as students and teachers.
The presence of key officials added to the significance of the event, including Ms. Alice Pizarro, the Officer-in-Charge Provincial Administrator of the Provincial Government of Bataan; Board Member Hon. Popoy del Rosario, who chairs the Tourism Committee; and Ms. Danica Lolita Tigas, the Officer-in-Charge Provincial Tourism Officer.
The event kicked off with a parade from the Plaza Mayor de Balanga, journeying towards the Balanga City Wetland and Nature Park in Tortugas, igniting the spirit of celebration and community unity along the way.
Guests were welcomed from Tortugas Barangay Captain, Mr. Rolando Dizon, who extended his appreciation to all attendees and emphasized the critical need to preserve the environmental balance. He wrapped up his message with a song with EduChild members.
Following Mr. Dizon’s warm welcome, Hon. Jowee Zabala, representing City Vice-Mayor Hon. Vianca Lita Gozon and the Sangguniang Panlungsod members, highlighted the festival’s significant role in promoting greater awareness and appreciation for biodiversity.
Meanwhile, City Mayor Hon. Francis Anthony Garcia acknowledged the invaluable contributions of various governments and NGOs in promoting awareness and implementing sustainable practices. These collaborative efforts resulted in the success of today’s event towards environmental conservation.
As the keynote speaker for the event, Mr. Mike Lu, President of the Wild Bird Club of the Philippines (WBCP), lauded the City of Balanga for its exceptional hosting of the bird festival and its unwavering commitment to environmental awareness. Additionally, he generously donated a coffee table book featuring the diverse bird species migrating in the city to the grade school students, further enriching their understanding of the local ecosystem.
The presence of ‘Mukhang Ibon, Sayaw Ibon’ and ‘Bird Trike Float’ contestants made the event livelier and more vibrant. One of the festival’s highlights is the Bird Trike Float Contest. Elementary schools across the City of Balanga eagerly took part in this lively competition, adorning tricycles with their imaginative interpretations of different migratory birds. This contest not only brought together students, teachers, and communities but also fostered a collaborative spirit in merging art and education. Through the creativity and passion of participating schools, a powerful message of conservation resonated far beyond the parade and the festival. Additionally, a dance contest was also held, further enhancing the celebratory atmosphere.
The Ibong Dayo Festival aimed to recognize the importance of various bird species migrating to the city, fostering a sense of responsibility among citizens to cherish, nurture, and safeguard the ecosystem.
Following the competitions, the winners were announced:
Mukhang Ibon, Sayaw Ibon Dance Contest
1st place – Bataan National High School – Senior High School
2nd place – City of Balanga National High School – Senior High School
3rd place – Bataan National High School – Junior High School
4th Place (Consolation Prize) – City of Balanga National High School – Junior High School
Best in Costume- Bataan National High School – Senior High School
Bird Trike Float Contest
1st place – Balanga Elementary School
2nd place – Bagong Silang Elementary School
3rd place – M. Delos Reyes Elementary School
Consolation prizes were school who still participated
Lastly, the Batang Ibon winner hailed from Balanga Elementary School.
The activity was successfully conducted through the collective efforts of the City Tourism Office and other city departments.
