DAVAO CITY, Philippines – There are at least three more Philippine Eagles waiting for adoption at the Philippine Eagle Center in Barangay Malagos, Calinan district here.
Last week, Cebu Pacific Airlines took in Philippine Eagle “Mindanao” and pledged to support its upkeep for the next five years, according to Philippine Eagle Foundation (PEF) executive director Dennis Salvador.
Mindanao is a 13-year-old giant raptor that was born out of the captive breeding procedure at the Malagos Eagle Center.
Salvador said the adoption of a Philippine Eagle would mean the donor would spend at least P150,000 a year for the needs of the bird while held in captivity at the facility.
Salvador said at present, there are 30 eagles that have been adopted by various donors – either individuals, corporations or other organizations – that have expressed concern in helping stem the dwindling population of the national bird.
The Philippine eagle replaced the maya as the national bird as declared by former President Fidel Ramos in 1995.
Cebu Pacific president and chief executive officer Lance Gokongwei pointed out that Mindanao’s adoption strengthens the airline’s commitment to act on environmental conservation issues linked to the country’s rich biodiversity.
“The Philippine eagle is a significant part of our country’s thriving ecosystem. We encourage everyone to help preserve this national icon until they can fly freely, without threat in their natural habitats,” Gokongwei said.
Salvador said that aside from the captive breeding program that the non-profit PEF has undertaken at the Malagos Eagle Center, it has also been actively pursuing research and development efforts for the conservation of the giant raptor.