Mindoro Exploration

Bird Finder Philippines (BFP) recently traveled to Calapan City, Occidental Mindoro to formalize an agreement with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA). This partnership aims to develop training regulations, curricula, assessment tools, certification infrastructure, and registration of technical and vocational training programs specifically tailored for local bird guides and bird photographers. At the same time, the Wild Bird Photographers of the Philippines (WBPP) has also entered into a similar agreement with TESDA.

Before and after the signing ceremony, the BFP team conducted bird surveys at Lake Naujan and Tamaraw Falls, targeting both migratory and endemic species. Due to the migration season coming to an end and a late start caused by ferry delays, the team encountered few migratory birds. Despite their efforts, they unfortunately did not spot the Mindoro Hawk Owl, although it kept calling nearby. They were lucky enough to see the Scarlet-collared Flowerpecker, endemic to Mindoro Island, at close range near the Tamaraw Falls, which provided numerous opportunities for observation. Although Oriental Mindoro could have offered even more endemic species, their trip focused on the western side due to the meeting with TESDA.

During the signing ceremony, BFP Lead Guide Djop Tabaranza represented Birds in Focus, while TESDA was represented by MIMAROPA Regional Director Angelina Carreon and Oriental Mindoro Provincial Director Ben-Hur Baniqued. Also present as witnesses were BFP tour leader and WBPP trustee Loel Lamela and WBPP co-founder and president Alain Pascua. Bird Finder Philippines also paid a courtesy visit to DENR-MIMAROPA Naujan Lake Protected Area Superintendent Ric Natividad. He and his staff facilitated the use of motorized bangkas to explore the lake.