THE Philippine Eagle Foundation (PEF) released two Philippine eagles in the forest of Barangay Kagbana in Burauen, Leyte, on Thursday, May 8, 2025—the second time the foundation has carried out such an initiative in the area.
The eagles, named Sinabadan and Kalatungan I, were released under the Philippine Eagle Species Reintroduction Program, a joint effort by the PEF, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), and the Mohamed Bin Zayed Raptor Conservation Fund. This program aims to re-establish a Philippine eagle population in Leyte, where the species has been absent for years.
Sinabadan, a female, hatched in the wild in Sibulan, Davao City, and was rescued from Mt. Tangkulan in San Fernando, Bukidnon, after being trapped by locals. Kalatungan I, a male, was rescued in Pangantucan, Bukidnon, after being found emaciated and wounded from a gunshot.
Before their release, the two raptors were placed in an acclimatization or "hacking" cage on March 21 in the forests of Barangay Kagbana. This process allowed them to gradually adjust to their new environment with minimal human contact. Their behavior, such as food response, flight strength, alertness, and avoidance of humans, was carefully monitored to assess their readiness.
According to PEF, both eagles underwent long-term rehabilitation at the Philippine Eagle Center in Davao City. Before their transfer to Leyte, they received intensive physical conditioning, veterinary checks, and behavioral assessments.
On May 8, Kalatungan I was the first to take flight from the release site, followed by Sinabadan about 30 minutes later. Both birds were fitted with GPS transmitters to enable post-release tracking and monitoring.
“The Philippine Eagle Species Reintroduction Program aims to establish a viable eagle population in Leyte and rebuild the ecological presence of the country’s national bird in key forest habitats where it has long been absent,” the foundation said in a statement.
PEF also highlighted the vital role of the local community in Barangay Kagbana in securing and preparing the release sites. Local leaders, forest guards, and residents helped with site protection, readiness, and awareness-building efforts leading to the release.
This marks the second release of Philippine eagles in Leyte. The first occurred on June 28, 2024, with eagles Carlito and Uswag. Carlito, a female, continues to thrive in the forests of Leyte, while Uswag, a male, unfortunately, died due to accidental drowning.
Leyte was chosen for the reintroduction program due to the absence of Philippine eagle sightings following the devastation of Super Typhoon Yolanda in 2013. The Philippine eagle, found only in Luzon, Samar, Leyte, and Mindanao, suffered a significant setback in Leyte after the typhoon. No eagle sightings had been recorded in the province during subsequent annual surveys. RGP