DENR secretary to locals: Take care of our Philippine eagles

The two young juvenile Philippine eagles were being prepared for their release to the wilds in Barangay Kagbana, Burauen town in Leyte on Friday, June 28. — PHOTO COURTESY OF THE DENR

BURAUEN, Leyte — Take care of the Philippine eagles.

This was the appeal of Environment Secretary Ma. Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga to the residents of Barangay Kagbana, a mountainous village more than 40 kms away from this town center, where two young juvenile Philippine eagles were released on Friday, June 28.

The release of the eagles, named as “Uswag” and “Carlitos” was considered historic since it was the first time these birds were transferred from one region to another.

The two Philippine eagles (Pithecophaga jefferyi) were from Davao City-based Philippine Eagle Foundation and were translocated to Burauen as part of the efforts to repopulate Leyte with the king of all birds.

“I hope they will also value the great gift that they have in terms of having the eagles here,” Loyzaga said in an interview.

Mayor Juanito Renomeron said that sightings of Philippine eagles in Kagbana were common until Supertyphoon “Yolanda” ravaged the forest area.

“Rest assured, we will take care of the Philippine eagles and we will not do harm to these lovely creatures. We are just overwhelmed that they are with us,” he said.

About 20 forest guards were hired to monitor the eagles which were equipped with a global positioning system.

Loyzaga expressed her gratitude to House Speaker and Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez for approving a species-specific budget aimed at protecting and conserving some of the country’s threatened or endangered species, such as the Philippine eagle.

She said House Speaker Romualdez promptly approved their request for a P100 million budget intended to support their efforts to protect and conserve five threatened or endangered species.

READ: Foundation releases 2 Philippine eagles in Leyte

These species include the Philippine eagle, tamaraws in Mindoro, marine turtles, Philippine cockatoo, and dugong.

“For instance, there are only 392 pairs of Philippine eagles (Pithecophaga jefferyi) remaining in the wilds of the country,” Loyzaga said.

“Speaker Romualdez ensured that the species-specific budget will be incorporated into our 2024 budget,” she added.

Loyzaga explained that each identified species would receive an allocation of P20 million.

“The needs for each species are very specific, so careful review is needed to assess their status and determine their priority requirements,” she said.

“We hope that this marks the beginning of ongoing interest and support among our legislators for species conservation efforts,” she added.