All’s set for release of ‘Kabayan’

DAVAO CITY — All is set for the first-ever release of a Philippine eagle bred in captivity in the wilds of Mt. Apo on Thursday, in celebration of World Earth Day.

The 17-month-old eagle, named "Kabayan," was transferred last month from the Philippine Eagle Center (PEC) in Malagos, Calinan district here to the geothermal production field of the Philippine National Oil Corp. in Kidapawan City.

The giant raptor was first kept in a cage for at least three weeks to allow it to acclimatize to its new environment.

Kabayan’s release will be witnessed not only by Department of Environment and Natural Resources officials but also by representatives of non-government and environment groups and leaders of barangays within the periphery of Mt. Apo.

Kabayan’s release in the wilds is part of the PEF’s experimental project to reintroduce eagles bred in captivity to their natural forest habitat.

The PNOC geothermal production field, located at the foot of Mt. Apo, is considered to be the species’ historical home.

"We are taking the eagle conservation program to a higher level, that is by reintroducing the bird to its natural habitat. We expect that through this method, we will be able to help increase the bird’s population in the wilds," the PEF said in a statement.

Kabayan, hatched on Nov. 23, 2002, is one of the 13 Philippine eagles that the PEC has produced since it started its captive breeding program in the early 1990s.