The Bulacan sector of North Manila Bay represents one of the largest and most ecologically significant coastal wetland systems in the Philippines, comprising extensive intertidal mudflats, mangroves, and aquaculture landscapes that support internationally important waterbird populations. Analyses from the Asian Waterbird Census indicate that at least eight species regularly exceed the 1% flyway population threshold, including Kentish Plover Charadrius alexandrinus, Pacific Golden Plover Pluvialis fulva, and Whiskered Tern Chlidonias hybrida, underscoring the site’s critical role in sustaining migratory bird populations within the East Asian–Australasian Flyway.

In addition to these globally significant congregations, the site supports several threatened and near-threatened species in smaller numbers, including Black-faced Spoonbill Platalea minor (Endangered), Chinese Egret Egretta eulophotes (Vulnerable), and Nordmann’s Greenshank Tringa guttifer (Endangered). The continued presence of these species highlights the ecological importance of the remaining mudflats and coastal habitats. However, increasing pressures from land reclamation, aquaculture expansion, and infrastructure development underscore the urgent need for integrated wetland management, habitat conservation, and strengthened coastal protection measures.

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