It was just a couple of weeks off new year day celebrations but that January 15, 1992 was an even bigger celebration at the Philippine Eagle Foundation (PEF) Conservation Center as it witnessed the first hatching of a Philippine Eagle in captivity. The landmark event was welcome news for the critically endangered national bird as it meant years of hard work and research paid off. Fast forward to the present day and Pagasa, as how that chick was called, has now turned 26.
Ever since that momentous day, January 15 has been celebrated by the PEF as Pagasa’s Hatchday and this year’s celebration at the PEF Conservation Center at Malagos was a tribute to the brave men and women who believed in saving the Philippine Eagle and making a stand for the environment.
“From our success in hatching Pagasa, the center has hatched more than 28 Philippine Eagles.” said PEF Executive Director Dennis Salvador “Pagasa is also now part of our artificial insemination breeding program and is now a father with the hatching of Mabuhay in 2013”
Pagasa’s hatchday this year was filled with environmental seminars as well as fun and games where participants learn more about the plight of the Philippine Eagle as well as the many endemic animals of the archipelago. last year’s celebrations featured an educational raptor immersion but unfortunately this year, due to the threat of bird flu, the PEF bird ambassadors had to be on lockdown for the time being for their own protection. The day ended with an environmental fair in the afternoon also held at the PEF center.
Congratulations to the Philippine Eagle Foundation for the courage and strength to save not just our national bird, but also in taking a stand in saving the environment through education and action. Again, happy hatchday Pagasa, may the symbolic light of environmental protection in you shine brighter.
