Concerned sectors are now pushing for the reconstitution of the Regional Eagle Watch Team (REWT) to enhance monitoring, protection, and awareness campaigns across key eagle habitats in Eastern Visayas.
These groups, supported by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources' (DENR) regional office, have raised the alarm on increasing threats to the Philippine eagle’s survival, including deforestation, habitat fragmentation, and hunting.
Composed of representatives from the DENR, local government units, indigenous communities, environmental non-government organizations, and academic institutions, the REWT serves as a multi-sectoral body tasked with coordinating efforts to safeguard the country’s national bird.
“This majestic bird represents the fragility and strength of the country’s ecosystem. Its survival depends on the protection of our forests. We are making every approach possible and feasible for the love of our ecosystem at large,” DENR Regional Executive Director Arturo Salazar said in a statement.
In reconstituting the REWT, RDC-8 PSR Judah S. Aliposa said it will also support environmental education, data sharing, and policy recommendations to ensure a more sustainable and science-based approach to eagle conservation in the region.
The move to reconstitute the REWT comes on the heels of the release of three Philippine eagles, a surplus in the eagle population in Mindanao, to the wilderness of the Mahagnao Volcano Natural Park in Burauen, Leyte.
The three eagles named Lyra Sinabadan, Lakpue, and Kalatungan I were transported by land from the National Bird Sanctuary in Davao in a bid to repopulate Leyte’s wilderness with these majestic birds.
(With report from the Philippine Information Agency)
#WeTakeAStand #OpinYon #OpinYonNews #DENR