Haribon highlights Negros bleeding-heart at Pista ng Gubat 2026

By Richard Cahilig

Every remaining forest matter when it is home to one of the Philippines’ rarest birds.

Last June 21, 2026, the Haribon Foundation joined Pista ng Gubat 2026 at Libertad National Vocational School in Libertad, Antique, where it showcased conservation efforts for the Critically Endangered Negros Bleeding-heart, locally known as Badlitan.

“People can get involved in conserving NPPNP and the NBHP by becoming informed and organized within their communities. When they understand the importance of biodiversity, the park, and the value of the ecosystem services it provides, they are more likely to become active stewards of the forest,” shared Richard Cahilig, Haribon Foundation’s Conservation Specialist

Pista ng Gubat was organized by the Northwest Panay Peninsula Natural Park Protected Area Management Board (NPPNP PAMB). It brought together government agencies, schools, local communities, and conservation partners to celebrate the protection of the NPPNP and inspire collective action for biodiversity conservation.

Held under the theme “NPPNP Together in NATURE: Nurturing Action, Together for Unified Resilient Ecosystem from Ridge to Reef,” Pista ng Gubat is an annual celebration that raises awareness of the park’s rich biodiversity and the importance of protecting its forests, wildlife, and natural resources.

“The event provided an important platform to raise awareness about the Critically Endangered Negros Bleeding-heart Pigeon and the need to protect its remaining habitat in the Northwest Panay Peninsula Natural Park (NPPNP),” added Cahilig.

“It also strengthened partnerships and encouraged community support for the species’ long-term conservation.”

More than a celebration, it serves as a venue for environmental education and encourages stronger partnerships among communities, government institutions, and conservation organizations.

Not every bleeding heart is hurting

At the heart of Haribon’s exhibit is the Negros Bleeding-heart (Gallicolumba keayi) or Badlitan.

It is a ground-dwelling forest pigeon, known by a unique reddish marking on its breast. It is one of 5 “bleeding heart” pigeons found only in the Philippines.

One local name for the species is Badlitan, a reference to its unique markings. Puñalada is a local name in Luzon for the Luzon Bleeding-heart pigeon – derived from the Spanish word for “stab wound”.

First documented in Negros and later in Panay, the species has suffered severe population declines due to forest loss and hunting. Today, the Northwest Panay Peninsula Natural Park is the only known site where the bird is consistently documented in the wild, making the protection of its remaining lowland rainforest more urgent than ever.

Raising awareness

Visitors to the booth included students, teachers, local government representatives, and community members. They learned about the species’ unique biology, the threats they face, and the role healthy forests play in ensuring their survival.

Through educational materials and interactive displays, the exhibit highlighted that conserving the Badlitan also means protecting the countless endemic plants and animals that share its habitat.

The importance of partnership

Haribon’s participation reflects its continuing partnership with the NPPNP PAMB in conserving one of the country’s most threatened bird species. By bringing conservation closer to communities, the organization hopes to strengthen public understanding that protecting forests is essential not only for wildlife but also for the people who depend on these ecosystems.

“I hope to see communities living in and around NPPNP become empowered and active stewards of the park, working together to protect its forests, wildlife, and biodiversity, recognizing the value of the ecosystem services it provides,” shared Cahilig.

“…And ensuring that species like the Critically Endangered Negros Bleeding-heart continue to thrive in the wild for generations to come.”

The future of the Badlitan depends on the forests that remain and the people who choose to protect them. Haribon encourages everyone to support conservation initiatives, learn more about the country’s endemic wildlife, and become part of the collective effort to safeguard the Northwest Panay Peninsula Natural Park for generations to come.

Supported by BirdLife Asia, Haribon’s Species of Hope: Badlitan aims to strengthen management of the Northwest Panay Peninsula Natural Park (NPPNP) with local government, DENR, and surrounding communities. It also aims to enhance ecological knowledge of the species and its forests in the Greater Negros-Panay Faunal Region. (The author is a conservation specialist of Haribon Foundation)