Event: Regional Flyway Initiative Site Studies
Philippines: Candaba Wetlands

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Candaba Wetlands is a large floodplain wetland system located in Pampanga within Central Luzon, covering approximately 9,987 hectares. The site consists of freshwater marshes, ponds, and seasonally flooded grasslands on the alluvial floodplain of the Pampanga River. Much of the landscape is used for rice cultivation and agriculture, with remnant wetland habitats supporting waterbird populations and hydrological functions.

The site supports important populations of migratory waterbirds, including Garganey and Philippine Duck, and serves as a key flood retention basin for surrounding communities. It provides critical ecosystem services such as flood regulation, freshwater supply, and food production. Ongoing pressures from agricultural intensification, land conversion, pollution, and urban expansion are leading to habitat loss, declining waterbird populations, and reduced ecological integrity.

RFI Site Snapshot

City Municipality Province Region
Candaba, San Miguel and San Ildefonso municipalities, Pampanga, Central Luzon
Area Size
9,987 ha
Geographical Coordinates
15.07° N, 120.88° E
Conservation Designation
Protected Area
Ramsar Site
Important Bird and Biodiversity Area
Key Habitats and BiomesA 
Floodplain wetlands
Freshwater marshes and ponds
Seasonally flooded grasslands
Key Ecosystem Services and Values
Provisioning: freshwater, food production
Regulating: flood hazard regulation
Cultural: recreation, ecotourism
Global Climate Regulation: Estimated Carbon Storage and Sequestration
Not assessed
EAAF Species

Globally significant congregations:
Garganey Spatula querquedula (LC)
 

Small numbers:
Philippine Duck Anas luzonica (VU)
Northern Pintail Anas acuta (LC)
Eurasian Wigeon Mareca penelope (LC)
 Notable Biodiversity
Philippine Duck Anas luzonica (VU)
Streaked Reed warbler Acrocephalus sorghophilus (CR)
Site Management
Department of Environment and Natural Resources
Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office
Local Government Units
Private landowners
Key Drivers of Change
Agricultural expansion and intensification
Urban and industrial development
Pollution and habitat loss
Opportunities for RFI Interventions
Biodiversity-friendly agriculture; Payment for ecosystem services; Ecotourism development; Biodiversity monitoring
Investment Range Over Time Period $15,100,000 over ten years

Disclaimer

The views expressed on this website are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views and policies of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) or its Board of Governors or the governments they represent. ADB does not guarantee the accuracy of the data included in this publication and accepts no responsibility for any consequence of their use. By making any designation of or reference to a particular territory or geographic area, or by using the term “country” in this document, ADB does not intend to make any judgments as to the legal or other status of any territory or area.

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Topics

  • Agriculture and Natural Resources
  • Climate Change
  • Environment