DENR-12 intensifies campaign to protect PH eagle

KORONADAL CITY - The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Region 12 is intensifying campaign to save Philippine Eagle from extinction and celebrated its life as a national bird in observance of the Philippine Eagle Week on June 4-10, 2019. 

DENR 12 Regional Executive Director Nilo B. Tamoria emphasized the significance of Philippine Eagle as a symbol of pride of the country during the launching of the Philippine Eagle Week (PEW) at the Atrium of Robinsons Place in General Santos City last week.

“Region XII has recorded various sightings of Philippine Eagle in the region,” Tamoria said.

“This is a good indication that these sightings from four provinces manifest that we still have healthy forests,” he added.

Tamoria said according to studies, it is vital to sustain more or less 1,000 hectares of forests for a couple of Philippine Eagles for them to survive, which includes vegetation of the area for the wildlife’s feeding cycle. 

“Identifying these areas is crucial as basis to protect and conserve them to ensure their numbers will not decline,” Tamoria added.

“As we observe the 21st celebration of PEW, we hope that public consciousness will increase and will be translated into concrete actions. We call on various sectors to help us in conserving our environment and in protecting our endemic Philippine Eagle so that the coming generations can still see our national symbol,” said Tamoria.

Meanwhile, in an interview through DENR Radyo Kalikasan, Forester Leonisa C. Alfaro, Assistant Division of the Conservation and Development Division said that there is a need to step up not only the protection and conservation of the Philippine eagle, but conduct stringent monitoring to secure their survival. 

“It has been a public knowledge that this wildlife named as “The King” of the Philippine Forest is endangered,” Alfaro said.

“Sightings of the Philippine Eagle in Region XII have been recorded particularly in the areas of Allah Valley Protected Landscape at Sitio Kanko, Baramgay Lamlahak and Barangay Tasiman of Lake Sebu within Allah Valley Watershed Forest Reserve and Mount Sinaka of Arakan, North Cotabato,” she added.

“There were already efforts to establish these areas as a critical habitat in partnership with the local government units (LGUs),” said Alfaro.

The Philippine eagle is also seen flying in Mount Busa which is identified as key biodiversity area. Mapping on the site has already conducted and regular monitoring is slated for the coming year.

Moreover, the DENR is working in partnership with the Philippine Eagle Foundation (PEF) and LGUs in undertaking strategies for the protection and conservation of the Philippine Eagle.

“We are strengthening our monitoring by involving organized community groups as front liners in ensuring that this species should survive in the wild,” Alfaro added.

“We are also forging a Memorandum of Agreement with the LGUs taking into consideration the implementation of the three - kilometer radius nesting site of the Philippine Eagle as well as enhancing vegetation of the area to protect and preserve biodiversity,” she said. 

The PEW had kicked off with an Exhibit graced by the Assistant Regional Director for Management Datu Tungko M. Saikol, Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer Mama G. Samaon and other DENR XII officials, representatives for the Provincial Government of Sarangani and some personnel from the City Environment and Natural Resources Office of General Santos City, Robinsons Place representatives and some mall goers.

Philippine Eagle Week is celebrated through Presidential Proclamation No. 79 of 1999, every year, June 4-10, 2019, to enjoin various sectors of society to take action on the protection and conservation of The Philippine Eagle. This year’s Philippine Eagle Week celebration carries the theme: The Philippine eagle: A National Symbol, A Global Treasure. (KBBenpolok)