Puerto Princesa is set to welcome 24 teams from across the Philippines, Shanghai, and Taiwan for the highly anticipated 7th International Bird Photography Race, scheduled for November 15 to 17.
The annual event, which attracts professional and amateur bird photographers alike, will highlight the rich birdlife of Palawan through photo competitions held at top birding spots in the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park (PPSRNP) and nearby city outskirts.
Organizers expect fierce competition as last year’s champion, Team Bird Finder, returns to defend their title against a strong lineup of local and international challengers.
The bird photography race not only highlights Puerto Princesa’s unique avian diversity but also encourages awareness of conservation efforts in the city’s protected areas.
“This race is a celebration of Puerto Princesa’s rich biodiversity, and we’re thrilled to welcome participants from across the Philippines and abroad,” Race Committee Head and chief of the City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) Atty. Carlo Gomez said.
“Our hope is that each participant will come away with a deeper appreciation for Palawan’s natural wonders and become advocates for conservation,” he added.
Throughout the three-day event, participants will photograph a range of bird species within the PPSRNP’s forested areas and the surrounding city landscapes, offering a mix of coastal and inland habitats that support some of Palawan’s rarest bird species.
In addition to the competitive aspect, organizers see the race as a platform for advocacy and environmental education.
“We hope participants and visitors alike will understand the importance of conservation. This race is more than just capturing photos. It’s about protecting the natural wonders that are essential to our ecosystem and identity,” Gomez added.
