As part of the Philippine Eagle Reintroduction Program, a second batch of Philippine eagles was recently transported from the Davao Region to Mahagnao, Leyte. The initiative, led by the Philippine Eagle Foundation (PEF) and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), marks another significant step in the ongoing efforts to restore the population of the critically endangered species.
On March 20, 2025, three eagles—Lakpue, Lyra Sinabadan, and Kalatungan I—made the journey to their new habitat in Mahagnao Volcano Natural Park (MVNP). According to PEF, Lakpue is set to be introduced to Carlito, an eagle from the first batch of reintroduction in 2024. Meanwhile, Lyra Sinabadan and Kalatungan I, considered a cohort pair, will undergo an on-site social bonding process to ensure a smooth transition before their release into the wild.
A formal turnover ceremony was held on March 21, 2025, at the EcoLodge of MVNP in Brgy. Mahagnao, Burauen, Leyte. The event was organized by the Protected Area Management Office of MVNP, with the support of DENR Regions XI and VIII, the Philippine Eagle Foundation, the Provincial Local Government Unit (PLGU) of Leyte, and the barangay local government units (BLGUs) of Burauen, La Paz, and MacArthur, among other stakeholders.
During the ceremony, DENR-XI’s Assistant Regional Director for Technical Services, Forester Victor T. Billiones, emphasized the importance of collective action in safeguarding the Philippine eagle. He stated that the event was not just symbolic but a call to action for conservation efforts.
“This is a reminder that the protection and conservation of the Philippine Eagle is a shared responsibility. As we formally entrust these birds to our counterparts in Leyte, we also entrust them with the legacy and future of our national heritage,” said ARD Billiones.
He also expressed gratitude to the Philippine Eagle Foundation, DENR’s Biodiversity Management Bureau, DENR Region VIII, the provincial government of Leyte, and other partners who contributed to the initiative.
“Your dedication, passion, and hard work have brought us to this moment. Together, we are not just releasing eagles, but we are releasing hope, we are releasing life back into our forests, and we are releasing a future where the Philippine Eagle can once again thrive in the wild,” he added.
Currently, the newly transported eagles are housed in acclimation cages, where they are being closely monitored by PEF biologists and staff. The monitoring process aims to ensure their well-being and adaptation to the environment before their eventual release into the wild.
The reintroduction program continues to be a critical effort in strengthening the Philippine eagle population, reinforcing the commitment of conservationists, government agencies, and local communities to protect one of the country’s most iconic and endangered species.
