The City Government of Mati and the Philippine Eagle Foundation (PEF) have officially joined forces to protect the critically endangered Philippine Eagle and conserve vital forest ecosystems. This partnership was formalized through a recently signed Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), marking a significant step in environmental preservation efforts in Davao Oriental.
The collaboration centers on the protection of the Philippine Eagle’s habitat within the Cabuaya and Luban Philippine Eagle Sanctuary (CMCLES), a 7,000-hectare forest known for being home to an active eagle nest discovered in 2006. Under the MOA, signed by Mati City Mayor Michelle N. Rabat and PEF Executive Director Dennis Joseph I. Salvador, both parties are committed to safeguarding the sanctuary and promoting sustainable environmental practices within surrounding communities.
The Philippine Eagle (Pithecophaga jefferyi), listed as critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), faces severe threats from habitat loss and human activities. The MOA seeks to address these challenges through a range of initiatives, including forest conservation, eagle nesting site protection, and the sustainable management of the Cabuaya and Luban watersheds.
A key aspect of the partnership is the close monitoring of the resident eagle pair, affectionately named “Cabu” and “Aya.” Ensuring the safety of their breeding territory is critical to the long-term survival of the species in the area.
Community engagement is also a cornerstone of the project. Local residents will be actively involved in conservation efforts, with a focus on protecting the watershed that supports not only the eagles but also a rich variety of forest biodiversity. In recognition of their efforts, communities will receive conservation incentives and support for sustainable livelihoods, such as weaving, linking environmental preservation with economic development.
The City Government of Mati, through its City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CiENRO), will be responsible for enforcing environmental laws within the sanctuary, guarding against illegal logging and other destructive activities. Additionally, the city has committed an annual budget of P500,000 over the next three years to fund the conservation initiatives.
PEF will provide technical expertise, including the use of advanced tracking technology to monitor the eagle population and assess the health of the ecosystem. The foundation will also lead public awareness campaigns to educate communities on forest conservation, solid waste management, and the critical role the Philippine Eagle plays in maintaining ecological balance.
This partnership represents a significant milestone in the conservation of one of the Philippines’ most iconic species. Through this joint effort, the City Government of Mati and the PEF underscore the importance of preserving not just the Philippine Eagle, but also the biodiversity of Mati’s forests, securing a more sustainable future for both wildlife and the local communities. MATI CIO
