PRA, CAAP strengthen coordination to prevent bird strikes near airports

The Philippine Reclamation Authority (PRA) and the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) are enhancing inter-agency coordination to address the growing risk of bird strikes near airports, particularly in areas affected by coastal reclamation that attract migratory birds.

PRA Assistant General Manager Atty. Joselito Gonzales announced the initiative during the Bagong Pilipinas public briefing on Wednesday, emphasizing the need for stricter environmental and aviation safety compliance for all ongoing and future reclamation projects.

“Coastal or reclaimed areas attract birds because they find food there and sometimes even drink seawater,” Gonzales said. He noted that the Philippines lies along the East Asian–Australasian Flyway, a major migratory route for birds, many of which pass over or near major airports, including Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).

Gonzales stressed that no reclamation project can proceed without securing an Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) and clearances from both the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the PRA. These documents assess environmental impact and outline specific mitigation measures to reduce risks to aviation and wildlife.

“We don’t issue any notice to proceed without an ECC, which outlines measures to reduce or eliminate bird strike risks,” he said.

CAAP Spokesperson Eric Apolonio reported a 9.7% decrease in bird strike incidents across the agency’s 87 airports from September 2024 to September 2025. He attributed the drop to improved inter-agency cooperation and strengthened wildlife management protocols.

“We continuously cut grass, trim trees, and use deterrents so birds don’t nest near runways,” Apolonio explained, adding that coastal airports such as those in the cities of Iloilo and Puerto Princesa, as well as areas around Metro Manila like the Las Piñas–Parañaque Wetland Park—just two to three kilometers from NAIA Runway 06—remain particularly vulnerable to bird activity.

To support aviation safety efforts, the PRA has been gathering flight path and bird population data from CAAP to conduct its own risk assessments near airport zones. Gonzales also said the agency is ramping up coastal clean-up operations to eliminate waste and food sources that attract birds.

“CAAP’s data helps us determine the level of risk NAIA faces due to nearby bird habitats. We want to clearly establish the degree of threat in critical areas,” he said.

Both agencies emphasized the importance of sustained coordination with the DENR, local government units, and other stakeholders to manage aviation risks amid continued urban and coastal development.

Gonzales added that the PRA also plans to work with local universities and bird experts to map migratory routes and create science-based guidelines for future reclamation and airport development.

“We aim to clearly establish the level of risk and how it can be avoided, once and for all,” he said.

Both officials reiterated that ensuring aviation safety remains a top priority as the government strives to balance economic growth with environmental protection. —RF, GMA Integrated News