The Pampanga sector of North Manila Bay is a major coastal wetland complex comprising extensive intertidal mudflats, mangroves, estuarine systems, and aquaculture landscapes at the mouth of the Pampanga River. This site supports internationally important waterbird populations, including several species that exceed the 1% flyway population threshold, such as Kentish Plover Charadrius alexandrinus, Whiskered Tern Chlidonias hybrida, and Intermediate Egret Ardea intermedia, highlighting its importance for migratory birds across the flyway.

In addition to these globally significant congregations, the site supports a range of threatened and near-threatened species, including Black-faced Spoonbill Platalea minor, Chinese Egret Egretta eulophotes, and Far Eastern Curlew Numenius madagascariensis. Despite its ecological value, the wetland system is highly fragmented and under pressure from aquaculture expansion, coastal development, and habitat conversion, underscoring the urgency of integrated management and restoration to maintain its biodiversity and ecosystem services.

RFI Site Snapshot