THE Fraternal Order of Eagles (Philippine Eagles) Davao City Chapter has adopted an eagle for one year.
The group also known as the Davao City Eagles Club signed an agreement Saturday with the Philippine Eagle Foundation (PEF) to become the benefactor of an eagle named "Mindanao."
The agreement was also signed in support to the protection and care of the endangered Philippine Eagle (Pithecophaga jefferyi).
During Kapihan sa SM media forum Monday, club president Engr. Antonio Bautista said they will sponsor the food and maintenance costs of the captive-bred "Mindanao."
PEF communications officer Tatit Quiblat said 20 of 35 eagles housed at the Philippine Eagle Center (PEC) remain without benefactors.
"The expenses in feeding and maintaining one eagle amount to about P100,000 per year, an amount which the non-profit, non-government organization PEF has to source from private voluntary contributions. While the PEF works for the protection of eagle habitants and populations in the wild, the eagles at the center provide opportunities for accelerated breeding programs, research, and education," Quiblat said.
"It is our pride and joy to be of service to our country by taking care of its treasures and supporting the efforts to protect the national symbol for which our group was named. We cannot allow this very important icon to vanish," Bautista said.
Club adviser Eastern Mindanao Command chief Cesario Atienza, who initiated the adopt-an-eagle project of the club, reiterated their concern for the eagles.
"If we don't take of the Philippine national bird who will?" Atienza said.
He added they opted for Mindanao to show that "love and care for this legacy starts here with us in Mindanao."
He hopes that other chapters of their organization will follow suit. (Jade C. Zaldivar)