28/05/2026
𝗕𝗜𝗟𝗔-𝗕𝗜𝗟𝗔 𝗙𝗘𝗦𝗧𝗜𝗩𝗔𝗟: Celebrating Marinduque — The Butterfly Capital of the Philippines
Did you know that Marinduque is home to around 600 butterfly species, locally known as “𝘽𝙞𝙡𝙖-𝘽𝙞𝙡𝙖"? With nearly one-third of the Philippines’ 927 butterfly species endemic to the country, the island province is renowned for its rich butterfly population and significant contribution to biodiversity conservation.
The Bila-Bila Festival was created to honor this natural treasure and to promote Marinduque as the Butterfly Capital of the Philippines. Originally celebrated every December 8 during the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, the festival is now held during the vibrant month of May.
Butterfly farming has flourished in Marinduque since its introduction in the 1960s, becoming a successful backyard industry for many local families. Today, the province contributes about 85% of the country’s butterfly and pupa exports — a testament to its thriving biodiversity and environmental stewardship.
To further protect these delicate creatures, the local government of Boac enacted the “Tree Farming and Butterfly Propagation Ordinance of 2002,” officially declaring the municipality a sanctuary for all butterfly species and promoting environmental preservation. This initiative also helped pave the way for the colorful Bila-Bila Festival we celebrate today.
During the festival, the streets of Boac come alive with dazzling butterfly-inspired costumes, vibrant decorations, street dancing performances, kite flying activities, and even butterfly releases into the wild. Every corner of the town transforms into a beautiful tribute to nature and culture.
Beyond their beauty, butterflies are also important bioindicators. Their presence reflects a healthy ecosystem and rich biodiversity. As pollinators, they play a vital role in preserving the balance of flora and fauna in the Philippines, which is recognized as one of the world’s megadiverse countries.
The Bila-Bila Festival is more than a celebration — it is a reminder of the importance of protecting nature while embracing the unique culture and heritage of Marinduque.
To read more of our butterfly series, search #𝗙𝗹𝘂𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗙𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗮𝘆 on our page.
