All is set for 12 PH bird festival in Tacurong

TACURONG CITY - The local government unit here is gearing up for the hosting of the 12th Philippine Bird Festival and 4th Tacurong City Bird Festival in May 11-12.
The two-day festival is expected to draw bird enthusiasts from Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Cambodia, Nepal, Taiwan,and Indonesia. They will start bird watching in Tacurong Baras Bird Sanctuary when they arrive on May 10.Tacurong was chosen as this year’s host of the Philippine Bird Festival because of their Bird Sanctuary.
Emelie Jamorabon, Tacurong City Tourism Officer, said Tacurong is very proud to showcase its Baras Bird Sanctuary, this is a home of more than 20,000 birds,one of the largest nesting sites for egrets and herons in the country.
The 12th Philippine Bird Festival kicks off with a motorcade on the morning of May 11.Spectators will be treated with birds inspired float, street dancing competition and bird costume contest.
In the afternoon there will be an eco-tourism forum in Tacurong Conference Room and at the same time different activities will also be held in the City’s Cultural and Sports Centre.
Jamorabon said, we have bird quest,face painting for the kids, key holder making, ref magnate painting, obstacle cores, bracelet making, and other worthwhile activites this summer.
On the second day of the Festival on May 12, participants will go to Lake Sebu, South Cotabato, they will be having an immersion with the school of living tradition of the T’boli and conservation forum at Lake Sebu Gym.
Jamorabon stressed, Our bird festival is not only for birding but also they wanted to immerse with our indigenous people,they wanted to learn the culture.
Those who will remain in Tacurong will enjoy the Folk Dance Competition that will showcase bird inspired folk Dances like the tinikling and Itik-itik.
In the afternoon, a team of speakers will go to Tupi, South Cotabato for a Conservation Forum.This is a sort of helping the Community in protecting their environment.Tupi is known for its Tarsier Sanctuary, and is part of the Mt. Matutum Protected Area.
On May 13, participants will be treated with birding trips in the Municipalities of T’boli, especially Lake Holon and Lake Sebu, some will be going to Senator Ninoy Aquino.
The 12th Philippine Bird Festival and 4th Tacurong City Bird Festival is being supported by the Wild Bird Club of the Philippines, and Department of Tourism region XII.
Jamorabon said other local government units in SOCCKSARGEN is also supporting us. (Roel P. Osano)