CSU with Philippine Eagle Foundation and DENR-Caraga hosted AgiLAYA Campaign

Caraga State University through the Center for Research in Environmental Management and Eco-Governance (CRÈME) in collaboration with the Philippine Eagle Foundation (PEF) and Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Caraga (DENR-Caraga) hosted AgiLAYA Campaign on August 11, 2022 at the CSU-HERO Learning Commons. The campaign aims to spread awareness and participation on the conservation of Philippine Eagle especially in Caraga where good numbers of the said birds are known to inhabit the place.

The event started with a press conference attended by Dr. Robert S. Kennedy, a renowned ornithologist and conservationist champion, together with Dennis J Salvador -PEF Executive Director, Dr. Rowena P. Varela – CSU OVPRIE, For. Maritess M. Ocampo- Assistant Regional Director for Technical Service-DENR Caraga and Lt. Gen. William K. Hotchkiss III as panel members with some students and faculty.

For.Ocampo disclosed that DENR Caraga is organizing community working group (CMG) in areas with Philippine Eagle thru the respective CENROs to address illegal hunting and trade. Moreover, Dr. Varela assured that CSU will be at the forefront of raising awareness about national bird’s conservation especially now with the partnership between the PEF. At present, CSU projects focused on preservation of habitat through construction of ecobelts in mining areas and identifying potential livelihood options in Cabadbaran-Santiago Natural Park where it can indirectly help in the Philippine Eagle conservation.

“To Save Our Eagle” film was shown to have a bigger picture of the characteristics of Philippine Eagle and its importance in the biodiversity as an apex predator. The featured talk of Dr. Kennedy emphasized that Philippine Eagle is a symbol of naturalness of the Philippines and education and participation towards conservation activity by all stakeholders is essential for the protection of this majestic bird.CoFES/JRDA/pico