I FOUND A CONNECTION BETWEEN OUR NATIVE TREES AND OUR PHILIPPINE EAGLES

I FOUND A CONNECTION BETWEEN OUR NATIVE TREES AND OUR PHILIPPINE EAGLES In my search to better understand the plight of our critically endangered Philippine Eagles, I stumbled upon a remarkable connection—one that ties the survival of these majestic birds to the towering presence of our native trees, particularly the Almaciga and other Dipterocarp species such as Yakal, Tanguili, and Mayapis. This connection is both profound and urgent, revealing not only the ecological reality of our forests, but also the roadmap to securing a future for our national bird. Wherever Almaciga trees thrive, Philippine Eagles are often found soaring nearby. This is no coincidence. These trees—along with other Dipterocarps, the giants of our forests—provide the perfect nesting sites for our eagles. Perched high above the forest floor, the eagles find safety for their young and wide vantage points for spotting prey. Without these towering trees, the eagles have nowhere to safely raise the next generation. This is no simple convenience; it is a symbiotic relationship written into the very fabric of our forest ecosystems. The more native trees we plant and protect, the more chances Philippine Eagles would have to thrive and multiply. If we want these icons of our natural heritage to survive, we must save and restore their homes—the very trees that have stood guard over our mountains for centuries. More Trees, More Eagles This brings me to an obvious and urgent conclusion: if we want more Philippine Eagles, we must actively preserve, replant, and nurture our native forests, particularly those rich Dipterocarps trees like Almaciga. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), local governments, and civil society groups should come together and launch a massive reforestation campaign, focused specifically on planting native species that our eagles rely on. But the work doesn’t stop there. Protecting forests means nothing if laws against illegal logging remain unenforced. This is particularly crucial in protected areas—our supposed last refuges for both our forests and our wildlife. If we want eagles to flourish, we must guard every standing tree with utmost vigilance. Tribal Guardians of the Forest Who knows our forests better than our Indigenous Peoples (IPs)? It only makes sense to deputize them as forest rangers, giving them legal authority and support to protect the lands they have lived on for generations. Their traditional knowledge and deep-rooted connection to the land make them ideal stewards—not just of the trees, but of the eagles that rely on them. Eagles and Chickens: An Unexpected Link Another threat to our eagles comes from conflicts with farmers, who sometimes shoot eagles to protect their chickens. But what if there was a better way? I suggest releasing feral chickens or other prey species in forested areas, providing a natural food source for the eagles—keeping them deep in the forest and away from backyard poultry. Measuring Success: Headcounts and Targets To track progress, the DENR and the Biodiversity Management Bureau (BMB) must establish clear numerical targets: How many new Philippine Eagles should we have per year? How many new Dipterocarp trees do we aim to plant and grow? How many hectares of forest do we need to rehabilitate to support these targets? Without clear goals and regular Philippine Eagle population counts, we are flying blind. Conservation is not just about passion—it’s about measurable progress. Beyond Symbolism The Philippine Eagle is not just a bird. It’s a symbol of our nation’s wild heart—a living reminder of our natural wealth and responsibility. Protecting it means preserving the very forests that cleanse our air, regulate our water, and shelter countless other species. If we let these forests disappear, we don’t just lose a bird; we lose a piece of ourselves. We lose the towering Almaciga trees that have watched over our mountains for centuries. We lose the Dipterocarps that are the backbone of our rainforests. And we lose the chance to show future generations that we could save the king of the skies. A Call to Action The connection between our native trees and our Philippine Eagles is crystal clear. Now the only question is: What will we do about it? Will we plant more trees? Will we empower our indigenous communities to protect our forests? Will we demand that our environmental laws are strictly enforced? And will we ensure that the Philippine Eagle doesn’t vanish into memory? The future of our forests, our wildlife, and our national identity depends on how we answer these questions. Let us act while there are still trees standing and eagles soaring. Ramon Ike V. Seneres, www.facebook.com/ike.seneres iseneres@yahoo.com, 09088877282, senseneres.blogspot.com 04-07-2025