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DOT sees Ibong Dayo Festival as pro-environment

By Ernie Esconde

February 22, 2019, 8:38 pm

BALANGA City, Bataan -- The Department of Tourism (DOT) on Friday tagged the Ibong Dayo Festival in this city as a good example of group efforts to protect the environment.

“We would like to make this recognition/recommendation to our branding committee in the DOT to include Ibong Dayo Festival as a very good example of convergence of all associations and communities in protecting the environment,” said DOT Undersecretary Arturo Boncato Jr. in his keynote speech during the 9th Ibong Dayo Festival held at the Wetland Park in Barangay Tortugas.

He also recommended to make the 10th festival next year to have an international stature. “Maybe next year, we gear-up and make this festival known to many more markets. Maybe we can invite foreign scientists or bird enthusiasts to celebrate with us,” he said, noting that migratory birds come from various countries including China and Russia.

He said that DOT and Balanga City have the same job, that of counting arrivals. “We look for arrivals. Sa amin tao, sa inyo ibon,” he said in jest.

The DOT undersecretary said that only last week, the tourism department launched a fresh campaign on “It’s more fun in the Philippines”, which includes sustainable tourism drive.

Ang focus natin diyan ay kung paano ang mga (Our focus is on how some) communities around the country are taking part in this effort,” Boncato said.

“As long as we see migratory birds in Balanga, the environment is in good condition,” he added. (PNA)

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