June 27, 2024 - Get ready to witness conservation in action! Two Philippine eagles, Carlito and Uswag, are set to be released in Leyte Island tomorrow, marking a historic moment for the country. This groundbreaking event signifies the Philippines' first-ever eagle reintroduction program, a collaborative effort between the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the Philippine Eagle Foundation (PEF), and various partners.
The release, scheduled for June 28th at 9am, will be livestreamed on PEF's Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/phileaglefdn, giving everyone a chance to be part of this momentous occasion. Carlito, a six-year-old female, and Uswag, a three-year-old male, were both rescued and rehabilitated before being deemed fit for reintroduction.
This program aims to bolster the population of the critically endangered Philippine Eagle by releasing them into suitable habitats outside their usual range in Mindanao. The chosen location, the 4,000-hectare Marabong Watershed in Leyte, boasts ample food resources and ideal conditions for the eagles to thrive.
Celebrating a Collaborative Effort
The success of this program is a testament to the collective efforts of numerous organizations. The Mohammed Bin Zayed Raptor Conservation Fund, Insular Life, Forest Foundation Philippines, and the DENR all played crucial roles in making this initiative a reality. Additionally, the program extends its gratitude to:
- LGU Burauen and Kagbana
- Energy Development Corporation
- Eastern Visayas State University
- Rotary Club of Central Tacloban City
- Australian Embassy - Australia in the Philippines
- Mandai Nature
- Kagbana Upland Farmers Association
Special Recognition for Support
The program acknowledges the invaluable contributions of various partners who ensured the smooth execution of this critical project:
- The Department of National Defense (DND) and the Philippine Air Force (PAF) for facilitating the safe airlift of the eagles and translocation crew.
- DENR XI and CENRO-Davao for assisting with securing the local transport permits.
- Hon. Ma. Antonia "Toni" Yulo-Loyzaga and the Office of the DENR Secretary for supporting the construction of hack cages with the help of the Brgy. Kagbana community.
- Forest Guards - the Bantay Kagurangan
- Doc Bayani's Animal Wellness Clinic for their participation in the pre-transport check-up and aversion training of the eagles.
- Eagle Cement Corporation and Carl Balita Review Center for sponsoring the logistical expenses of the team.
This momentous occasion marks a significant step towards the conservation of the Philippine Eagle. By working together, we can ensure the survival of this majestic bird for generations to come.