SEOUL, 14 May 2026 — The Philippine Embassy in Seoul, led by Ambassador Bernadette Therese C. Fernandez, and the East Asian-Australasian Flyway Partnership (EAAFP) Secretariat, led by Chief Executive Jennifer George, co-hosted the World Migratory Bird Day 2026 reception on 14 May 2026 at the Sentro Rizal Hall of the Philippine Embassy. 

Held under the theme “Every Bird Counts – Your Observations Matter,” the event marked the Embassy’s first-ever hosting of World Migratory Bird Day and highlighted the Philippines’ role as a vital corridor and destination for migratory birds along the East Asian-Australasian Flyway. The reception gathered Heads of Mission and representatives from diplomatic missions in the Republic of Korea, including the United States, New Zealand, Australia, Canada, Cambodia, Thailand, Malaysia, and Laos, as well as non-resident Ambassadors to the Philippines, Paraguay and Ethiopia.

The event was also attended by partners in biodiversity, climate action, sustainability, technology, media, and the academe, including NAVER Cloud, Ghent University Global Campus, The Korea Herald, KOEN, POSCO International, EAAFP partner organizations, researchers, and friends of the Embassy.

In her welcome remarks, Ambassador Fernandez said the Philippines serves as a resting place and refuge for migratory birds that travel thousands of kilometers across countries and continents. She emphasized that the protection of migratory birds and their habitats is closely linked to the Philippines’ priorities in biodiversity conservation, climate resilience, sustainable development, community livelihood, and ecological tourism.

“Their journey reminds us that nature knows no borders,” Ambassador Fernandez said. “For the Philippines, this is not only an environmental issue. It is also a matter of sustainable development, food security, climate resilience, cultural heritage, and community livelihood.”

Ms. Jennifer George, Chief Executive of the EAAFP Secretariat, underscored the importance of collective action and community participation in conservation and monitoring efforts. She highlighted the journey of the Great Knot, a migratory bird that traverses the East Asian-Australasian Flyway and makes vital stopovers in both the Philippines and the Republic of Korea.

The program featured an exhibit on the Philippines’ successful hosting of the 12th Meeting of Partners of the EAAFP in Cebu from 8 to 14 November 2025, and on the Philippines’ wetlands and coastal ecosystems as important habitats for migratory birds. The Embassy also promoted the Philippines as a premier destination for sustainable and nature-based tourism through promotional videos, tokens, and tourism brochures from the Philippine Department of Tourism-Korea Office.

Filipino cultural group Pearl of the Orient performed Tinikling and Itik-itik, traditional Philippine mimetic dances inspired by the movement of birds. The performances connected the evening’s conservation theme with Filipino heritage, demonstrating how culture can deepen public appreciation for biodiversity and ecological stewardship.

The reception reaffirmed the Philippines’ commitment to international cooperation in safeguarding migratory birds, protecting their habitats, and promoting green growth through practical, inclusive, and community-based diplomacy. END