It aims to raise awareness of the diverse birdlife in Palawan and local efforts to protect the forests, wetlands and coastal habitats in the province.

"Of all the packages we've introduced this year, birdwatching is the most challenging and exciting. It will open up unestablished destinations in the Philippines to the world," Tourism Secretary Ace Durano said at the recent media launch of the bird fest.

"We hope to get people excited about nature and conservation through recreational bird watching and bird photography," said Michael Lu, president of the Wild Bird Club of the Philippines (WBCP), which initiated the first bird festival in 2004.

'Habitats loss from ill-planned development and urban pressure is the greatest threat to bird populations and other wildlife. WBCP to get communities and professional planners involved in developing ways to help wildlife through green spaces and nature-friendly property management," Lu said.

The First Bird Conservation Forum will also be held in Palawan prior to the bird fest. It will bring together bird-watching hobbyists, conservationists, ecotour promoters and other stakeholders to discuss the status of birds and how to protect their habitats.

For more information on the bird fest visit www.birdwatch.ph.