Cebu Pacific takes Philippine eagle under its wings

MANILA, Philippines - Cebu Pacific announced on Thursday that they will be adopting one of the Philippine Eagle Center's resident raptors, "Mindanao."

Mindanao is a 13-year-old Philippine eagle that has been under the care of the Philippine Eagle Foundation (PEF) through a captive breeding program - a system that breeds and re-introduces raptors to their natural habitat.

To breathe new life into this majestic creature, Cebu Pacific will provide food and necessary veterinary care of Mindanao for five years.

In an interview with Philstar.com at the turnover ceremony held on October 15 at the Philippine Eagle Center (PCF), Apple Ignacia, Cebu Pacific's director for product said that the adoption of "Mindanao" fortifies Cebu Pacific's commitment to preserve the country's biodiversity.

"Philippine eagle has always been part of our cultural identity, which is why adopting one would be a fitting initiative for the company," she said.

In addition, the initiative supplements Cebu Pacific's other long-term commitment to the environment such as the Bright Skies for EveryJuan campaign.

The partnership between Cebu Pacific and PEF provides a helping hand to further accelerate the captive breeding program of PEF, as well as raise awareness about the plight of the Philippine eagle.

The Philippine eagle is considered as one of the most remarkable bird species in the world, for its ferocity, grace and beauty. Sadly, there are only about 400 pairs remaining worldwide, making it one of the most endangered species today.

According to PEF, the Philippine eagle is listed as "critically endangered" in the International Union for Conservation of Nature. The breeding program, which has housed 17 other Philippine eagles apart from Mindanao, has helped raise awareness about the critical situations of the endemic species.