AboitizPower, CENRO Tayabas hosts 2026 Annual Waterbird Census

By PJ Tanglao Power & Nature: With the Pagbilao Power Station as their backdrop, AboitizPower representatives stand alongside a member o...

By PJ Tanglao

Power & Nature: With the Pagbilao Power Station as their backdrop, AboitizPower representatives stand alongside a member of CENRO during its annual Waterbird Census.

PAGBILAO, Quezon — AboitizPower subsidiary Therma Luzon, Inc. (TLI), recently hosted the 2026 Annual Asian Waterbird Census (AWC) alongside its partners from the Tayabas City Environment & Natural Resources Office (CENRO). The joint monitoring expedition covered boththe Pagbilao Mangrove Experimental Forest and areas within the Pagbilao Power Station.

Survey teams recorded a healthy number of waterbirds, including more than 80 garganeys and nearly 200 Philippine Ducks, known locally as Papan. During the count, participants also documented a rare leucistic white Papan - a Philippine duck with unusually pale plumage that stood out among the flock.



"AWC is a regular activity of DENR CENRO Tayabas together with TLI and other stakeholders with the aim of raising awareness on the importance of wildlife conservation,” said Ramil Gutiarrez, head of CENRO Tayabas. “The initiative focused on different bird species within the area of responsibility, especially migratory birds."

The presence of garganeys and ducks, including the vulnerable Philippine Duck, within Pagbilao Power Station’s lagoons indicates that the habitat remains suitable for wildlife. By integrating these surveys into corporate environmental, social, and governance frameworks, the initiative ensures that TLI operations remain compatible with the surrounding ecosystem.

Data gathered during the one-day event will contribute to the international AWC database, which monitors the health of wetlands across Asia. This effort reflects continued partnership between the public sector and AboitizPower in supporting and protecting migratory paths and local ecosystems.

“We believe that being an energy partner also means being present in the communities where we operate,” said Lou Jason Deligencia, AVP for Corporate Services. “Activities like this allow us to work side by side with local leaders and residents in caring for the environment we all depend on.”

TLI expressed its intention to continue supporting the LGU’s succeeding environment and sustainability efforts, underscoring its commitment to collaboration with local governments and community stakeholders in advancing environmental stewardship in Pagbilao.