New Philippine Eagle Nesting Site Discovered in Gigaquit, Surigao del Norte
In a significant breakthrough for wildlife conservation, the Philippine Eagle Foundation (PEF) has identified a new active nesting site of the critically endangered Philippine Eagle (Pithecophaga jefferyi) in Gigaquit, Surigao del Norte. This discovery, announced on March 2, 2026, in Barangay Sico-Sico, marks a pivotal step in efforts to safeguard one of the world's rarest birds of prey.
Unveiling Ancient Nesting Sites for Species Survival
Jayson Ibañez, PEF Director for Research and Conservation, emphasized the foundation's ambitious goal to locate all ancient nesting sites across the Philippines. "We believe it's morally right that Philippine Eagles are safely breeding in their own homes," Ibañez stated, highlighting the need to protect these areas to ensure the eagles can lay eggs and repopulate. The discovery in Gigaquit was spurred by the rescue of a juvenile eagle named Balikatan in 2020 at Sitio Bayobo, Barangay Mahanub. After five years of collaborative searching with local environmental offices, PEF located Balikatan's parents, confirming the presence of a breeding pair.
The Philippine Eagle is listed as critically endangered on the IUCN Red List, with an estimated population of only about 400 or fewer breeding pairs in the wild. This makes the protection of nesting sites crucial for the species' survival. Beyond the eagle, the elusive Mindanao Bleeding Heart, a ground-dwelling bird endemic to the Philippines, has also been sighted in the forests of Mt. Hilong-Hilong, adding to the region's biodiversity significance.
Community-Led Conservation Initiatives Launch
To bolster protection efforts, PEF and the Local Government Unit of Gigaquit launched the campaign "Wildlife is Here in Gigaquit" on the same day. The launch featured a photo exhibit, an information drive for students at Lasicam Perral National High School, and the unveiling of an unhatched Philippine Eagle egg to raise awareness. William K. Hotchkiss, president and CEO of Cantilan Bank and former PEF trustee, underscored the eagle's role as a symbol of ecological resilience. "Protecting the Philippine Eagle also means protecting watersheds," he explained, noting that this effort is both a wildlife advocacy and a watershed strategy.
Hotchkiss praised Gigaquit for declaring the Philippine Eagle and Mindanao Bleeding Heart as flagship species, stating that this move reinforces biodiversity as a core part of local identity. Maria Luz S. Eupena, chairperson of Gigaquit's Committee on Environment and Natural Resources, echoed this sentiment, stressing that conservation is a shared duty rooted in community cooperation. She cited Municipal Ordinance No. 2005-15 as a foundation for regulating destructive practices and promoting stewardship.
Firm Stance Against Mining Threats
In response to ongoing mining threats in the province, Gigaquit has implemented a ban on mining to prioritize ecological security. Hotchkiss commended this decision, asserting that "Gigaquit now stands as a model for upstream LGUs — proving that sustainability is not anti-development. It is smart development." The municipality's opposition aims to protect the Baoy watershed, forests, and the newly discovered eagle nesting site, safeguarding agriculture, fisheries, and tourism for future generations.
Barangay Captain Marotes Mangongas of Sico-Sico emphasized the importance of community-level action, urging residents to avoid illegal hunting and tree cutting. "Even simple acts like proper trash disposal or teaching children to love nature can have a significant impact," she said, calling for unity in environmental protection.
Empowering Youth as Future Guardians
Hotchkiss and Ibañez both highlighted the critical role of youth in conservation. During his talk with students, Ibañez encouraged them to spread awareness about the eagles' presence in Gigaquit's forests. Hotchkiss added that "the protection of the Philippine Eagle will be strongest when carried forward by the younger generation," urging students to see themselves as defenders of rivers, forests, and wildlife. This holistic approach, combining policy, community engagement, and youth empowerment, aims to ensure the long-term survival of the Philippine Eagle and its habitat.
