BAGUIO CITY (PIA) — The wetlands of Santa Marcela in Apayao serve as a vital home for migratory and local birds, with the waterbird population increasing a hundredfold in just a year.
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) recorded a total of 4,125 waterbirds during the 2026 Asian Waterbird Census (AWC) conducted early this year. This showed a significant increase from the 1,169 bird population recorded in 2025.
The Intermediate Egret, Little Egret, and Philippine Duck are the most commonly spotted species in said area.
Other species seen during the census are the Black-crowned Night Heron, Purple Heron, Yellow Bittern, various kingfisher species, Black-naped Oriole, Pink-necked Green Pigeon, Yellow-vented Bulbul, Philippine Bulbul, Australasian Grass Owl, Long-tailed Shrike, and Crested Mynah.
Surveyed sites are Bacut Lake, Tacang SWIP, and marshlands in Barangays Marcela, Nueva, and Panay.
The ACW census was conducted by the Provincial ENRO Apayao and Community ENRO- Calanasan, in partnership with the local government unit of Santa Marcela, from Jan. 14 to 15, 2026.
DENR emphasized that the findings showcase Santa Marcela’s wetlands as a vital home for migratory and local birds, stressing the need for continued protection involving local government units and communities.
The DENR assured it will continue its biodiversity monitoring and wetland protection efforts.
As of 2020, Santa Marcela had 11 hectares of wetlands, according to the Global Forest Watch.
Apayao is the fourth area in the Philippines designated by UNESCO as a Biosphere Reserve after Albay, Palawan, and Puerto Galera. This designation means that areas in the province are now protected for biodiversity conservation. **JDP/CVBT-PIA CAR w/ reports from PLGU Apayao
