BALANGA CITY – Television host Kiko Rustia on Thursday expressed the hope that what the City of Balanga is doing for the environment and the migratory birds will convince other areas in the country to do the same.
“Sana maging susi ang ginagawang bird festival ng Balanga na makumbinsi ang ibang lugal at mahikayat sa tamang pangangalaga ng kalikasan at pangangalaga sa mga dayong ibon,” the GMA 7’s Born to be Wild host said.
Rustia, one of Survivor-Philippines finalists, was guest of honor during the celebration of the 3rd Ibong-Dayo Festival here.
“Kapag healthy ang kapaligiran ng isang bayan, dadayuhin ito ng mga ibon pero kapag hindi, iiwanan ito,” he said.
He said that it was a sad fact that many are taking for granted the importance of birds, especially the migratory birds. He made the observation that birds when featured in television programs receive low ratings.
Rustia said that migratory birds regulate the influx of harmful insects and help the propagation of plants and trees.
“Dapat tuloy-tuloy na impormasyon tungkol sa kahalagahan ng mga ibon,” he said.
City Mayor Jose Enrique Garcia III said that Balanga established the Wetland and Nature Park in Tortugas, a seaside village facing Manila Bay, “in our desire to convince our residents and visitors to be environmentally-friendly,”
In the park are two viewing decks, an information center and some huts for picnickers.
