Mindanao Times
Written by: Robin , Alisa
Thursday, 06 May 2010
Wild Bird Club members in Filipiniana attire
attended the Agila Gala
Cultural dance presentation at the Agila
Gala TWO major events are scheduled in the city this
year to promote environmental awareness. The first is Philippine
Eagle Week on June 4-13 with the theme “Sa Agila May Pag-asa
Laban sa Pagbabago ng Klima” under Presidential Proclamation
No. 79.
“We plan to emphasize that Philippine Eagle
conservation is a solution to the pressing issue of climate change,”
said Tatit Quiblat, communications officer of the foundation.
“By protecting eagle habitats of at least
7,000 hectares each, we are protecting and rehabilitating forests,”
Quiblat explained at a press conference yesterday at the Marco
Polo Hotel. However, Quiblat was disappointed to say that the
Philippine Eagle Week was only celebrated in Davao City.
“The Philippine eagle is a national symbol.
Sana lahat [buong Pilipinas] nagcecelebrate nito.”
But Quiblat took comfort in the fact that at
least Davao City had a “sense of responsibility to promote
the Philippine Eagle.”
Meanwhile, scheduled on a later date is a bigger
event endorsed by the Department of Natural Resources and the
Department of Tourism.
The First Asian Bird Fair, in line with the
6th Philippine Bird Festival, is set to showcase the different
bird festivals of different countries in Asia.
Quiblat was proud to say that Davao City is
the prime host of the first ever Asian Bird Fair to be held on
September 24-26.
“There is actually a wealth of bird species
in Davao,” said Quiblat. “There is a lot of potential
here,” she added.
Though still starting, the event aims to promote
eco-tourism “through birdwatching and promotion of natural
and cultural heritage of host cities.” Quiblat added that
200 international delegates from Asia and Europe are joining this
major event.
The First Asian Bird Fair also aims to position
the Philippines as a birdwatching destination in the globe.
Among the organizers of this event are the Wild
Bird Club of the Philippines, the Bird Conservation Society of
Thailand, the Chinese Wild Bird Federation, the Wild Bird Society
of Taipei, the Malaysian Nature Society and the Nature Society
of Singapore.
