THE Philippine Eagle Foundation (PEF) said on Monday, May 30, that there are no Philippine Eagle nesting sites directly affected so far by threats of open-pit mining sites in the Davao Region.
“Right now, none that we know of na direct impact ng open-pit mining sa isang nesting territory,” PEF development manager Andi Baldonado said during the Kapehan sa Dabaw press conference at SM City Davao on May 30.
His statement comes after the resolution passed by the South Cotabato Provincial Board to lift the ban on open-pit mining in the Municipality of Tampakan, as well as the anticipated re-opening of the mining operations in Barangay Macambol in Mati City, Davao Oriental. The mining operation in Brgy. Macambol is close to the protected area of the Pujada Bay Seascape and Landscape and the forests of Mt. Hamiguitad Range Wildlife Sanctuary.
Philippines Eagles are known to inhabit centuries-old forests in different areas of Davao Region, like the Mounts Makabol-Alikoson Conservation Area in Marilog District, Davao City.
Baldonado said PEF has long been firm on its stand against open-pit mining due to its proven destructive impacts on the environment when operated hastily.
In line with this, the PEF’s action is to empower their around 500 forest guards and strengthen the Forest Guarding Program to prioritize the protection of known nesting sites against threats such as mining, illegal logging, and trapping of the Philippine Eagles.
“We have around 500 already forest guards working closely with us to monitor the different nesting sites. In Davao City alone, we have about 200 continually monitoring yung mga (the) logging activities, trapping or anything that’s happening in the forests,” Baldonado said.
“Ang focus namin talaga is to really make sure that itong mga nesting trees are not being cut, doon kami mas focused right now (Our main focus right now is to make sure that nesting trees are not being cut),” Baldonado said.
Environmental group Interfacing Development Interventions for Sustainability (Idis) has expressed concern over the mining operations in Tampakan and Brgy. Macambol, saying it poses huge threats to the environment and the said surrounding protected areas.
However, the local government unit of Mati City assures that the mining site in Brgy. Macambol will not cause any environmental damage since protective protocols will be put in place.