PUERTO PRINCESA CELEBRATES 2ND KATALA FIESTA: A TRIBUTE TO CONSERVATION AND CULTURE
On November 22, 2024, the 2nd Katala Fiesta was celebrated in Puerto Princesa with the theme "Unite for Nature" which took place at the Audio Visual Hall of Western Philippines University, PPC Campus.
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The 2nd Katala Fiesta was a lively celebration dedicated to raising awareness about the critically endangered Philippine cockatoo with a scientific name Cacatua haematuropygia, or locally known as “Katala”. For this year's celebration, spearheaded by the Katala Foundation, Inc. in partnership and with participation of PCSD, CENRO Puerto Princesa, and DENR PENRO Palawan, the event was participated by the students with their coaches from Irawan NHS, Mangingisda NHS, PNS, San Miguel NHS, PPCI, Luzviminda NHS, and PSU Laboratory High School.
During the fiesta, various activities took place simultaneously, including coloring, face painting, a photo booth, a wildlife and biodiversity exhibit, birdwatching, the Sling n' Feather board game, and the "Knowing Me, Knowing You" game. One of the main highlights of the event was the Biodiversity Quiz Bee, a competition where participants tested their knowledge on biodiversity conservation, and the Recycled Art Workshop Competition, which showcased creative uses of recycled materials to raise environmental awareness. Both of these major competitions were won by Irawan National High School, further adding to their recognition and pride in the event.
The Katala Fiesta is more than just a celebration; it is also a call to action for the conservation of the Philippine cockatoo, which has become a symbol of Palawan's distinctive ecosystem. Conservation groups such as the Katala Foundation, based in Palawan, have made significant strides in protecting the Philippine cockatoo over the last year, and the festival celebrates their success while also raising awareness about the bird's ongoing threats to survival.