In time for Philippine Eagle Foundation’s 30th anniversary, Pangarap, a female Philippine Eagle (Pithecophaga jefferyi), adopted by Aboitiz Power Corporation celebrated its 18th hatchday at the Philippine Eagle Center, Malagos, Davao City on Thursday.
Eagle adoption is part of the efforts of institutions and private individuals to provide support to Philippine Eagle Foundation’s research, rescue, education and other measures to save and protect the Philippine Eagle.
Speaking during Pangarap’s hatchday program, Andi Baldonado, PEF Development Manager expressed her hopes that Pangarap would finally be able to produce an offspring since previous efforts were found unsuccessful.
Eddie Juntilla, Panagarap’s keeper since 2012, said Pangarap is one of the seven eagles in the center which undergo artificial insemination (AI) since it showed resistance to mate with male species.
He explained, a Philippine Eagle can produce an egg as early as five years old. However, Pangarap was able to produce an egg in 2012 but it was unfertilized due to the absence of a male partner to inseminate the egg.
“Through constant visit and really observing the bird’s behavior, then by collecting twigs and leaves to build her nest, slowly, you’ll be able to gain the bird’s trust. Later on she will not show you any aggressiveness anymore,” Juntilla explained in a vernacular language.
Juntilla added, he is looking forward to more keepers like him who are willing to conduct artificial insemination and bird-mating as he is the only personnel in PEF who is in charge of the work.
Meanwhile, Aboitiz Power Corporation Corporate Branding and Communication Specialist-Mindanao Harvey Lanticse said the company has been in assistance to the eagle for seven years but they are looking forward to heighten this by extending support to PEF’s campaign to educate students in different schools inside and outside the region.
“This is a way of giving back to our stakeholders and to promote environmental conservation as well,” said Lanticse.
The event gathered around 80 participants coming from the academe, Aboitiz Power Corporation and media agencies.
Aside from educational talk, the program also featured seedling distribution to students who attended as PEF’s way of promoting environmental awareness and conservation.
Aboitiz also handed Philippine Eagle Foundation Executive Director Dennis Salvador their pledged adoption fund worth ₱150,000.00.
Philippine Eagle, also known as monkey-eating eagle is one of the largest eagle species in the world. They are endemic, meaning these species can only be found in the Philippines.
