The city government of Puerto Princesa will host the 8th Puerto Princesa Underground River (PPUR) International Bird Photography Race on November 7 to 9 as part of the Subaraw Biodiversity Festival 2025.
The competition, organized by the City Environment and Natural Resources Office (City ENRO) and the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park (PPSRNP) Management Office, will gather local and foreign participants to capture Palawan’s avian diversity.
First launched in 2015 by City ENRO chief Atty. Carlo B. Gomez, the race has become a key highlight of the Subaraw Festival, attracting bird photographers to the city’s forest and coastal habitats.
“This event is not only about photography, it is about raising awareness on the importance of protecting our forests and bird species that thrive in Puerto Princesa,” Gomez said.
Last year, the 7th edition of the race drew 24 teams and 71 participants, including delegates from Taiwan and Shanghai. Photographers documented 129 species, 25 of which were Palawan endemic, underscoring the city’s role as a biodiversity hotspot.
Organizers said this year’s race will again feature multiple categories, including team, individual, senior, and lady divisions, with special awards for best action photo, best team uniform, and the Wins Paler Award.
The PPUR and its surrounding protected areas are home to more than 250 bird species, including the Palawan hornbill, blue-headed racket-tail, and the critically endangered Philippine cockatoo.
The Subaraw Biodiversity Festival, celebrated every November, commemorates the inscription of the PPUR as one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature.
