Adopt-a-species program bolsters protection of the Philippine Eagle

The Philippine Eagle, one of the world’s rarest forest raptors, is facing extinction. Protecting the endangered bird that is endemic to the country is of primary importance, especially for the communities who need to safeguard its survival, protect the biodiversity it represents, and promote the sustainable use of forest resources.

As part of its nation-building efforts, CEMEX Philippines Foundation – the social arm of CEMEX Philippines – is now on the second year of its partnership with the Philippine Eagle Foundation (PEF) with the goal of espousing the conservation of the Philippine Eagle and its habitats.

PEF is at the forefront of taking care of the critically endangered species known to be geographically restricted to Mindanao but there were also sightings recorded in some parts of Luzon, Samar, and Leyte. The Philippine Eagle Foundation Center, an 8.4-hectare area located at Malagos in Davao City, is currently home to 36 Philippine Eagles; half of them are captive-bred.

CEMEX Philippines Foundation and PEF’s three-year partnership includes the implementation of educational awareness and outreach activities in seven eagle habitats, as well as the or- ganization of at least 100 indigenous forest guards who will care for the eagles and where they live.

Promoting the importance of the Philippine Eagle and its protection is part of the Adopt-a-Species Program of CEMEX Philippines Foundation – an initiative that enables communities to foster sustainable conservation efforts for endangered species and the environment.

“The adopt-a-species law allows companies like us to put resources in various species conservation projects. And because of that, we were able to reach out to many areas in the Philippines. Some of our other adopted species were the "butanding" (whale shark), Tarsier, and Negros Bleeding Heart,” shared Paul Arcenas, CEMEX vice president for investor relations and integrated communications.

For the Philippine Eagle sites, the company further helps the communities by supporting Philippine Eagle surveys in three suspected eagle territories, delineate nesting sites, and initiate home range and habitat use on adult birds.

Additionally, the partnership will facilitate livelihood support to communities of the Sinabadan Indigenous Peoples’ Organization. Empowering the Sibulan IPO is part of PEF and CEMEX’s recognition of the community as the champions in saving the Philippine Eagle.

“Again, we’re proud to engage with our partners in Sibulan. PEF has been working with them for more than 10 years now,” said PEF executive director Dennis Salvador.

“We are looking forward to more interactions with PEF and the Sibulan IPO. We hope to make this partnership sustainable to be able to help more communities in protecting the Philippine Eagle,” added Arcenas who also serves as board member of the CEMEX Philippines Foundation. (Charmaine Tadalan)