
ILOILO – This province’s wetlands continue to attract a vast number of migratory birds, providing a vital refuge for avian species throughout the year.
On Sunday, February 2, the Provincial Government Environment and Natural Resources Office (PGENRO), in collaboration with the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Offices (MENROs) of Zarraga and Barotac Nuevo, held a bird-watching activity in Barangay Talauguis, Zarraga, drawing attention to the importance of these wetlands as critical habitats for migratory birds.
The bird-watching event, part of the annual World Wetlands Day celebration, highlighted the province’s role as a sanctuary for a wide variety of migratory bird species.


World Wetlands Day aims to raise awareness of wetlands’ importance in supporting biodiversity, preserving wildlife habitats, and combating climate change.
According to PGENRO, Iloilo’s wetlands, which are either permanently or seasonally water-saturated ecosystems, play a crucial role in maintaining biodiversity by providing a safe haven for numerous plant and animal species, including migratory birds.
Migratory birds are species that travel long distances between breeding and non-breeding grounds, often in response to changes in temperature, food availability, and habitat conditions.
Many of these birds move between continents, seeking warmer climates during the winter months and returning to their breeding sites in the spring.
Iloilo’s wetlands serve as a crucial stopover and nesting site for several of these species, offering them shelter, food, and a place to rest. They are also permanent homes for those that nest in the area.
“These wetlands are crucial for the birds’ survival, especially during their migration period,” said Mitzi Peñaflorida, senior environmental management specialist at PGENRO.
Peñaflorida also emphasized that the wetlands of Iloilo do more than just support wildlife; they provide vital ecosystem services such as flood protection, water filtration, groundwater recharge, and shoreline erosion prevention.
During the bird-watching event, participants were able to spot several migratory species, including the black-winged stilt, common sandpiper, and various types of egret, such as the little egret, intermediate egret, and great egret.
The wetlands of Iloilo are home to an impressive range of migratory birds, with species like the Purple Heron, Javan Pond Heron, Common Moorhen, Grey Heron, Whiskered Tern, and Philippine Duck frequenting areas in Barotac Nuevo, Dumangas, Guimbal, and Northern Iloilo.
Most notably, the province’s wetlands are often the preferred nesting grounds for several migratory species, many of which return seasonally, particularly during their breeding periods.
“They return depending on the season. Some birds have made Iloilo’s wetlands their regular nesting grounds. Our province offers them a safe place, especially during the colder months when other countries are still experiencing winter,” Peñaflorida explained.
Peñaflorida urged the public to be more mindful of these migratory species and their habitats.
“We must protect these birds and their environments. No hunting and no disturbing their niches if we want them to keep coming back,” she added.
Despite concerns over the potential spread of diseases like avian influenza, Peñaflorida reassured the public, stating that there have been no reports of illnesses linked to the migratory birds observed in the area.
With ongoing efforts to preserve Iloilo’s wetlands, Peñaflorida called for continued protection and conservation initiatives to maintain the province’s role as a sanctuary for migratory birds, ensuring a harmonious relationship between nature and local communities./PN