In Makilala, North Cotabato, environment and local government officials released into the wild on Tuesday, a three-year-old Philippine Eagle who was rescued by farmers last June. The release coincided with the World Nature Conservation Day, marked across the world to raise awareness about the importance of our dwindling natural resources and how it has been rocked by human interference over the years.
This day is set aside for us to recognize that a healthy environment is a foundation for a stable and productive society and to ensure the well-being of present and future generations, that we have to participate in the protection, conservation, and unsustainably managing our natural resources.’
Nature conservation, especially at this time when our forests are rapidly depleting and mining companies are once again thriving, should be a priority so that what meager resources we have will be fiercely protected. Over exploitation will mean losing resources that will support the needs of the next generation. The future generation will have less resources to sustain life and we should not allow this to be compromised.
Conservation is protecting wildlife and promoting biodiversity. Wildlife has to be protected before all that we have will not become extinct. With so many animals and plants currently threatened or going the way of the dinosaur, including our Philippine eagle, conservation and protection is the only way to go to maintain a healthy and functional ecosystem.
The eagle, called “Makilala Hiraya,” is now back in its habitat in Mount Apo after personnel from the Philippine Eagle Foundation (PEF) completed its treatment. The name of hte eagle was derived from the name of the municipality in North Cotabato where it was rescued. It was released around 10 a.m. witnessed by PEF personnel, as well as officials from the Energy Development Corporation, Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Region 12, Makilala LGU, and from the town’s Barangay Batasan.
Mindanews reported that on June 8, three farmers identified as Artemio Henilo, Joefrey Booc, and Joel Arumbo, all residents of Purok-3A, Barangay Batasan in Makilala, saw the injured eagle fall from the tree.
The farmers said the eagle couldn’t stand straight because of the wounds it sustained from the attack of at least 20 crows.
The Makilala LGU initiated the turnover of the wounded eagle to the PEF in Davao City for treatment. The foundation, after taking care of the eagle and bringing it back to health, returned it to the Makilala LGU.
This another success for conservation in the Philippines as our Philippine eagle is considered to be an endangered specie.
