Support pours in to save Philippine Eagle

DAVAO CITY, Philippines – The Philippine Eagle Foundation (PEF) has received more donations for the protection and conservation of the Philippine Eagle.

A P1-million donation from the Marco Polo Hotels was turned over to the foundation in ceremonies recently held at the Marco Polo Hotel here. 

Marco Polo Hotels, through its president-designate Jennifer Cronin, earlier handed over a check of P750,000 to PEF chairman Carlos Dominguez.

An additional P250,000 was raised during a fashion show held  at the hotel.

Dominguez stressed the importance of saving the Philippine Eagle, whose population is down to less than 500 pairs, including those in the forests of Mindanao, Samar, Leyte and the Cordilleras. 

Dominguez said the PEF has been involved in a breeding program at its center in Barangay Malagos. He said 26 Philippine Eagles have been bred and hatched in captivity since 1992.

“Beyond breeding eagles in captivity, the PEF has invested in protecting the species in the wild, restoring forests and working to improve the lives of indigenous cultural communities who share these forests with the eagles,” he said.

 “With so much yet to do, we invite everyone to join us in this noble endeavor to save our national heritage – the great Philippine Eagle,” he added. 

Dominguez said shooting and trapping as well as deforestation are the main threats to the survival of the Philippine Eagle.