Menu Close

WBCP 14th Anniversary and General Assembly

The Wild Bird Club of the Philippines celebrated its 14th anniversary and had its annual General Assembly last July 23 at the Biodiversity Management Bureau’s Training Center in Quezon City. As always, it was an activity-filled afternoon for the birders and special guests. The program was hosted by Diuvs de Jesus, Karen Ochavo, and Martha Tan.

WBCP GA (4)
Hosts Martha, Diuvs, and Karen

The afternoon started with the President’s Report presented by WBCP President Willem van de Ven. This was followed by the Records Committee Report presented by Christian Perez and Arne Jensen.

WBCP GA (2)
The WBCP Records Committee members. L-R: George Inocencio, Willem Van de Ven, Christian Perez, Arne Jensen, Cristina Cinco, Karen Ochavo, Mike Lu.

Surprise tokens were given to the most active volunteer members of the club, whose contributions ranged from organizing guided trips, writing and working for the official newsletter eBON, creating artwork and materials, and being active members of various club committees. Tumblers were given featuring the artwork of Jon Villasper.

WBCP GA (10)
The club’s most active volunteers pose with their mugs

Nikdye Realubit-van de Ven also gave a talk about the Walden’s Hornbill and Pan Wenxing shared his experience with the hornbills and birding in Panay. The WBCP auction this year was aimed at raising funds to support the conservation efforts of the Walden’s Hornbill though the efforts of Philippine Initiative for the Environment and the People (PhilInCon.) Almost P50,000 was raised that afternoon and donations are still being accepted.

WBCP GA (3)
Nidkye Realubit- Van de Ven talked about the Walden’s Hornbill
WBCP GA (7)
Wenxing Pan shared about his experience birding in Panay

The official video from the Bacolod Bird Fest was shown created by WBCP member Chary Dino of IMAGIC. Mike Lu also shared a short video featuring the upcoming 8th Asian Bird Fair which will be held this November in Ulsan, Korea.

Mayor Francis Garcia of Balanga City, Bataan also graced the occasion and gave a short talk about the Ibong Dayo Festival which the WBCP has always supported. Mr. Rey Aguinaldo of the LPPCHEA Office also gave a small talk and encouraged birders and guests to share their photos of the flora and fauna of the site. Other guests present were Balanga First lady Raquel Garcia, City Administartor Rudy de Mesa, City Tourism Officer Lolit de la Rosa and other staff.

WBCP GA (8)
Mayor Francis Garcia of Balanga City

The new set of club officers were also formally announced by the Election Committee:

WBCP GA (1)
New set of WBCP officers with the election committee. L-R: Treasurer Mike Lu, Secretary Cristina Cinco, Vice President Karen Ochavo, President Willem van de Ven, Election Committee members Anna Gonzales, Tin Telesforo, and Lolet Tan

 

A scrumptious dinner buffet was served to members and guests. Added treats to the buffet table were delicious ice cream flavors from Balanga City and a whole lechon from Senator Cynthia Villar. To close the evening, the auction winners were announced as well as the raffle winners.

20413970_10213749813517315_4475593186366312234_o

Photos from Cristina Cinco and Mike Lu

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *