DAVAO City is home to the mighty Philippine Eagle, dubbed as the "king of all birds."
With an estimated 400 pairs documented in the wild and being classified by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature as critically endangered, the Philippine Eagle Foundation (PEF) has led in the conservation and protection efforts of the eagle.
The foundation has a center in Baguio District, Davao City that serves as the conservation breeding facility for the raptor. The center has become one of the top tourist spots here.
Carla Salvacion, PEF conservation education program team leader, said the foundation already bred 30 Philippine eagles since Pag-asa, the first ever captive-bred eagle, was hatched in 1992.
Salvacion said the center, being a popular tourist destination, contributes in promoting environmental protection and saving the population of the eagles.
With the threats posed by avian flu (bird flu) and ecological destruction caused by deforestation and wildlife hunting, the center is working hard to ensure that the eagles would be protected even in the wild.
At present, plans are being made to transfer the center to barangay Eden in Toril District from its present site in Malagos, Baguio District.
With the day-to-day operation for advocacy, conservation, and breeding, greater support and funding is needed.
Thus, the foundation welcomes the initiative that identified PEF as the beneficiary of the MiceCon 2023 to be held in Davao City on March 1 to 3.
"MiceCon is a huge help not only in raising awareness but also in raising funds for the center to continue its run," she said.
Kennedy Kapulong, former co-chair of Davao MiceCon 2023, said it is fitting for PEF to be the beneficiary considering the eagle’s significance in the region’s rich tourism.
“Davao is know for the majestic Philippine Eagle. Symbolic of Davao’s resilience and strength,” Kapulong said. “Likewise, DOT’s [Department of Tourism] sustainability efforts and advocacy can be mirrored with the successful initiatives of PEF to save the national bird. When I was asked for a CSR partner, PEF was the top choice.”
Ann Pelingon, MiceCon Davao head for CSR, said it is their contribution to the foundation's conservation effort of sustaining the population of the eagles not only in the city but for the entire country.
"The center really needs funding, especially in ensuring the preservation of the raptor and other endangered animals being sheltered in the center," Pelingon said.
Pelingon said they are also eyeing the delegates to be the center's potential donors.
"At least the delegates... could also help spread the word about the center's conservation efforts," she said.
With MICECON's goal being towards a sustainable tourism industry, Pelingon said the convention is a great venue for this advocacy.
"What we do in the PEF is just a part of what we do as a whole Filipino nation," she said. RGL