FILINVEST Group’s FDC Utilities, Inc. (FDCUI) has renewed its commitment to Philippine Eagle Dagitab, ensuring protection of one of the world’s most endangered raptors. This initiative with the Philippine Eagle Foundation (PEF) aligns with Filinvest’s 70th anniversary, reinforcing its mission to drive progress while safeguarding the country’s natural heritage.
Dagitab, a rescued Philippine Eagle under the PEF’s care at the Philippine Eagle Center in Davao City, relies on continued support for its well-being. Through this adoption, FDCUI helps provide food, veterinary care, and enrichment activities to Dagitab. PEF Executive Director Dennis Salvador emphasized the importance of partnerships like this in sustaining conservation efforts. “Support from companies like Filinvest ensures that we can continue providing the necessary care for rescued eagles and invest in long-term conservation strategies. Corporate partnerships play a crucial role in sustaining our work, from rehabilitating injured eagles to protecting and restoring their natural habitats.
The challenges of eagle conservation require a multi-sectoral approach, and long-term commitments from private entities help bridge critical funding and resource gaps, enabling us to strengthen research, education, and forest protection efforts,” he said. A symbol of resilience, Dagitab is one of the oldest and most prolific Philippine Eagles at the Philippine Eagle Center (PEC).
Born on May 5, 1984, he has played a crucial role in the conservation breeding program. Over the years, Dagitab was successfully paired with Elisa, producing 10 offspring—an extraordinary contribution to the survival of his species. Now 40 years old, Dagitab represents the enduring legacy of the Filinvest Group. The Gotianun-led conglomerate has stood firm for seven decades, providing opportunities to Filipino families through its diversified portfolio, growing alongside the nation while championing sustainability.
“As we celebrate a significant milestone in our journey, Filinvest continues to grow steadfastly, focusing on various tangible initiatives that help enable Filipino dreams,” said Juan Eugenio L. Roxas, president and CEO of FDCUI. “By renewing our adoption of the Philippine Eagle Dagitab, we are not only ensuring the survival of this magnificent species but also contributing to the preservation of the country’s rich ecosystem,” Roxas added.
Since 2019, FDCUI has actively supported PEF’s conservation efforts through habitat restoration and public awareness campaigns. The company supports reforestation efforts in Bukidnon through the Kilag-udan Apo Datu Nanikunan Tribal Association Inc. (KADNTAI), formerly known as GADNAI, Reforestation and Carbon Sink Project, a 20-hectare restoration initiative located in Mt. Tago, Manolo Fortich.
This project aids biodiversity recovery, indigenous land rights, and sustainable livelihoods by restoring native forests and implementing community-led conservation programs. Mt. Tago is home to a pair of Philippine Eagles – female Kalabugao and male Guilang-guilang and their eaglet, Maluko. Kalabugao is the world’s first case of a rescued, rehabilitated, and released juvenile Philippine eagle surviving to sexual maturity and breeding in the wild. The Philippine eagles have thrived in the area over the years, thanks to the support of the local indigenous community and private partnerships, such as FDCUI and PEF.
With deforestation and illegal hunting threatening the Philippine Eagle, forging corporate partnerships is essential for conservation efforts. FDCUI’s continued involvement strengthens preservation programs that promote environmental responsibility and inspire other organizations to contribute to protecting the country’s national bird.
FDCUI is the holding company of the Filinvest Group for its power generation projects. Its flagship power project is the FDC Misamis 405-megawatt baseload power plant in Villanueva, Misamis Oriental, which significantly contributes to the stability of the Mindanao grid. The company also develops renewable energy sources, including solar, hydro, and biomass power projects.
As Filinvest looks forward to more years of progress and national development, it reinforces its vision of a future where economic growth and environmental stewardship go hand in hand— leaving a lasting impact for generations to come.
