Considered one of the most remarkable bird species in the world, the Philippine Eagle is well-known for its ferocity, grace,
and unparalleled beauty. It is a vertebrate of the highest class, with the size
and wing span that provide the lethal mobility of an extraordinary winged
predator.
This raptor adapts well in dense, lush flora, making it the perfect fit
for the Philippines’ tropical climate. But as it is endemic to the rain forests
of the Philippines, its existence is gravely affected by natural habitat loss
and hunting.
Sadly, only 400 pairs remain, making it one of the most endangered
species in the world today.
One of these amazing eagles is Mindanao, the Philippine Eagle ambassador for
education. From the day he was hatched, he, along with 17 other Philippine
eagles, 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 in the efforts to augment the dwindling wild population.
Over the years, 13-year old Mindanao has inspired both locals and
visitors of the Philippine Eagle Center in Davao to learn more about its kind. Mindanao has helped raise awareness about the delicate situation the eagles
are in, as well as PEF’s mission to advocate for its survival and the
sustainable use of forest resources towards a better future habitat.
But the call for combined efforts to
help preserve the life of these majestic creatures remains. Aside from being
aware of the current, long-standing obstacles the Philippine eagles face, everyone
can do more.
Starting October 15, 2015, Cebu Pacific takes Mindanao
under its wing. The adoption strengthens the airline’s commitment
to act on environmental conservation issues that are greatly linked to the
country’s rich biodiversity.
For five years, Cebu Pacific will provide food and necessary veterinary care
that will help flourish and sustain the well-being of the eagle as one of the
country’s prominent national symbols.
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,” said Cebu Pacific President and CEO Lance Gokongwei.
Through this partnership, Cebu
Pacific directly supports PEF’s
Conservation Breeding and Conservation Education initiatives that prevent the
complete extinction of such species. It also 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.
This initiative supplements Cebu
Pacific’s other long-term commitment to the environment, the Bright Skies for
Every Juan campaign. In place since 2008, this climate adaptation program, in
partnership with the World Wide Fund for Nature – Philippines, benefits the
country’s two great reefs – the Tubbataha and Apo Reefs.
Join the cause and help the Philippine Eagles spread their wings. Donate,
adopt or volunteer. For more information, check out www.philippineeaglefoundation.org now.
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