THE PHILIPPINE Eagle Foundation (PEF) kicked off Philippine Eagle Week with a ceremony led by director for operations Dr. Jayson Ibañez on Monday, June 9, at SM City Davao Annex. Ibañez delivered a heartfelt speech, shining a spotlight on the enduring alliance between PEF and its various partners in safeguarding the National Bird and its habitat.
“Our work soars on the wings of powerful partnerships. Our contribution is to support indigenous communities across the country who now lead the protection of ancient eagle nesting sites and hunting grounds,” Ibañez said.
At the heart of PEF’s conservation efforts are five indigenous communities residing within the Mount Apo Natural Park: Bagobo Tagabawa, Bagobo Klata, Obu Manuvu, Mandaya, and Manobo Tinananen. These groups are vital allies in the foundation’s culture-based conservation program, blending traditional knowledge, cultural practices, and stewardship to protect the forests. From ancestral domain management to the “Bantay Bukid” program, these communities document eagle-related indigenous wisdom and help establish forest guards who stand as sentinels of biodiversity.
“It means that as we sleep, these forest guardians are watching over the rare flora and fauna and ecosystems that sustain our lives,” he added.
For Ibañez, conservation is more than a mission—it’s a deeply human journey.
“True conservation is experiential, inclusive, and deeply human”, he quipped. “That’s why we champion education that’s immersive, where young minds don’t just learn about eagles in books but encounter them in forests, in stories, and in the eyes of people who protect them.”
Thanks to the synergistic efforts of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, the city government of Davao, and the indigenous communities, Mount Apo’s forest guard presence has surged. “We’ve gone from one guard per 7,000 hectares to one for every 300 hectares,” Ibañez announced proudly. “This isn’t just a statistic—it’s a shield for our forests and a promise for the future.”
For the three-day Philippine Eagle Week, visitors can dive into an interactive exhibit tour, soak up knowledge from educational talks on conservation and community efforts, and watch the documentary “To Save Our Eagles”. Kids can also participate in the live storytelling sessions and creative workshops, while a photo exhibit and booths showcasing PEF’s eco-partners aim to bring their mission to life. A donation drive for eagle sanctuaries and forest projects will also be launched, inviting everyone to join the cause.
