BALANGA CITY — The Department of Tourism on Friday tagged the Ibong Dayo Festival in this city as a good example of group efforts in environment protection.
“We would like to make this recognition and 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,” DOT Undersecretary Arturo Boncato, Jr. said.
Boncato who is undersecretary for tourism regulation coordination and resource generation was keynote speaker during the 9th Ibong Dayo Festival held at the Wetland Park in Barangay Tortugas here.
He also made the recommendation to raise the 10th festival next year to 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 even 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.
Boncato said that only last week the tourism department launched a fresh campaign on “It’s more fun in the Philippines” where part of it concerns sustainable tourism.
“Ang focus natin diyan ay kung paano ang mga 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.
