TACURONG CITY, Sultan Kudarat -- The annual Tacurong Bird Festival took flight for its 7th year to raise massive awareness about the importance of bird conservation and the need to protect their natural habitats.

With the theme "Protect the Birds, Nurture Mother Nature," the two-day festival from May 12 to 13, showcased a range of activities that celebrate the city's diverse population of over 20,000 cageless birds.

“Since the year 2000, the City Government of Tacurong has nurtured and protected these birds and now become widely known as the Baras Bird Sanctuary,” Tacurong City Mayor Dr. Joseph George Lechonsito said during the opening program of the event.

The Baras Bird Sanctuary is a vital wetland area in the Philippines that spans two hectares and provides a habitat for tens of thousands of stunning birds. Located at riverbank, this area was once a pepper farm before being transformed into a sanctuary for birds.

As the top tourist attraction in Tacurong City, this sanctuary offers visitors a chance to witness the thriving ecosystem of various bird species.

Mayor Lechonsito has expressed his appreciation to key organizers and stakeholders and emphasized the local government’s strong support for the Baras Bird Sanctuary through a Memorandum of Agreement he signed with the landowner of the sanctuary. This agreement aims to protect both endemic and migratory birds in the area to ensure their continued survival.

Among the highlights of the festival were the conservation forum and bird-watching tour, tree-growing activity, the Sadsad sa Kadalanan Street Dancing and Float Parade competition, bird-inspired tricycle and bird-inspired tricycle sound competitions, and bird-inspired costume and folk dance contests.

"Having the Baras Bird Sanctuary in Tacurong is a gift. This year, we want to share our celebration not only with our fellow Tacurongnons but also with our neighboring towns. Instead of competing, we complement each other to ensure that our conservation advocacy extends region-wide," said Tacurong Tourism Officer and Festival Director Emelie Jamorabon.

According to her, the Tacurong Bird Festival has grown into a significant annual event that attracts visitors from across the country and around the world, making it a powerful reminder of the importance of protecting and conserving natural resources. It also highlights the role that each individual can play in preserving the environment for future generations.

"Tacurong holds a special place in my heart. The city government has taken the initiative to organize this event, and we are proud to support their efforts. What sets this festival apart is its continuity and constant improvement," said Michael Lu, president of the Wild Bird Club of the Philippines.

The Bird Festival was organized by the City Government of Tacurong, in partnership with the Provincial Government of Sultan Kudarat, the Department of Tourism Region 12, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources Region 12, Sultan Kudarat State University, and the Wild Bird Club of the Philippines. (Genory Vanz Alfasain/Voice of the Youth Network)