Foundation Raises Awareness on Conservation, Protection of Philippine Eagle in S. Leyte

To raise awareness on the importance of saving the decreasing species of Philippine Eagle, the Philippine Eagle Foundation (PEF) held a film showing entitled the “Bird of Prey” on October 14, 2019.

In coordination with the provincial government through the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources and Management Office (PENRMO), the film showing held at the provincial coliseum documented that human activities including habitat destruction and hunting were the top threats to eagle’s survival.

PEF Program Manager Jimbea Lucino said that the film showing was aimed to  raise awareness on the protection, conservation and the importance of the Philippine Eagle, particularly here in the Philippines.

“The presence of our Philippine Eagle signifies that we still have a healthy forest in our country,” Lucino said in her opening message before the film showing adding that this is something we have to be proud of.

She said the PEF initiated the “Bird of Prey” film showing to areas that have  sightings of Philippine eagles wherein Southern Leyte possibly have in the following areas: Mt. Nacolod, Libagon, St. Bernard, Silago, Hinunangan, and Sogod in Southern Leyte and in Mahaplag in Leyte.

The more than an hour film also presented some of  the top threats of the eagles’ survival such as illegal cutting of trees and hunting.

“We urged each one to be our voice and advocate to preserve and protect our endangered species of eagle,” Lucino said to the viewers composed of students from selected schools/colleges in the city.

It also featured the ongoing initiatives and efforts of PEF in preserving the country’s national bird.

It was filmed by an Emmy-award winning wildlife cinematographer Neil Rettig along with his wife, Laura and some companions from the industry, spending almost six months in the making, searching and documenting the wildlife of Philippine Eagle. (LDL/ESG/PIA-8, Southern Leyte)