Champions of the Eagle: PEF Honors Indigenous and Partner Allies

Davao City – The Philippine Eagle Foundation (PEF) celebrated Indigenous Peoples Month by honoring Indigenous communities and partner institutions as true champions of the Philippine eagle and its forest home.

Held at the Philippine Eagle Center (PEC) on October 23, the event opened with a traditional thanksgiving ritual (Panuvadtuvad) led by elders from eight Indigenous Cultural Communities (ICCs) across Mindanao — namely the Obu Manuvu, Bagobo Tagabawa, Bagobo Klata, and Obu Manuvu of Davao City; the Higaonon and Manobo Tigwahanon of Bukidnon; the Tinonanon Manobo of Arakan; and the Mandaya of Maragusan. Altogether, these Indigenous groups protect at least 11 Philippine eagle territories.

The ritual expressed gratitude for nature’s blessings and affirmed the tribes’ deep spiritual connection with the eagle and the land.

In his remarks, Dr. Jayson C. Ibañez, PEF Director for Operations, highlighted the Foundation’s commitment to culture-based conservation.

“Through its culture-based conservation program, the Philippine Eagle Foundation is proud and honored to stand with the country’s Indigenous Peoples and conservation partners. Their deep wisdom and harmony with nature guide us toward a more caring and sustainable future. They are the true heroes of the eagle and the forest,” said Dr. Ibañez.

Messages of support came from NCIP Davao’s Jhoanna Lyn Monteverde, Major Jose Daniel Quimpo of the Davao City Public Safety and Security Office, and Mr. Fermin Edillon, Reputation Enhancement Manager of Davao Light and Power Company.

In her message, NCIP Davao’s Monteverde likened the cooperation between Indigenous Peoples and the wider society to “threads of a cloth”—explaining that when these diverse cultures are woven together, they form a strong and sustainable society, which is consistent with this year’s Indigenous Peoples Month celebration theme: “Weaving Culture, Enriching Future. Empowering Indigenous Communities as Bedrock of Sustainable Development.”

Cultural performances by the Pegsabeka Band and Tinonanon artist Mecah Enig Suhat highlighted the vibrancy and pride of Indigenous youth. A turnover of mobile phones and load cards from PLDT and Smart, represented by Mr. Melvin Lacuna, also marked the occasion, strengthening Indigenous-led forest monitoring through PEF’s BANOG App—a digital platform for reporting eagle sightings, habitat status, and threats in real time.

Mr. Jesse Kagawa, Consultant of the City IPMR and a proud Bagobo Klata, captured the event’s spirit, saying, “When the eagle flies, the Bagobo smiles.” His message reflected how culture and conservation are intertwined.

The program ended with a joyful community dance led by the Pegsabeka Band, joined by guests, partners, and community representatives in celebration of unity and shared stewardship.

After the ceremony, the guests unveiled and opened the exhibits, featuring the handicrafts, woven products, and other artisanal crafts of the Bukidnon Higaonon Tribal Association, the Tigwahanon of San Fernando, the Tinonanon Manobo of Arakan, and the Obu Manuvu of Tambobong. Guests can view these rare exhibits at the Philippine Eagle Center from October 23 to 26, 2025.

Through this celebration, the Philippine Eagle Foundation reaffirms its commitment to working with Indigenous and partner allies—recognizing that when communities and nature thrive together, the Philippine eagle continues to soar.