Under the Memorandum of Agreement recently signed by FDC Misamis and PEF, within the next three years, PEF will lead the reforestation of the grasslands planting endemic species, while FDC Misamis will provide funding for the entire project.

Within the project area is Mt. Tago, home to a pair of Philippine Eagles - female Kalabugao and male Guilang-guilang and their eaglet Maluko. PEF first released Kalabugao into the wild in 2010 after nursing her back to health after being kept as a pet by a local farmer. After her release, Kalabugao crossed to the new-found territory at Mt. Tago, where she met Guilang-guilang. Their first nesting attempt failed but succeeded the following courtship season, successfully hatching Maluko. Then, just recently, the PEF, along with forest guards, spotted their second eaglet.

According to PEF Research and Development Director Dr. Jayson Ibanez, Kalabugao's milestone "became the world's first case of a rescued, rehabilitated, and released juvenile Philippine eagle surviving to sexual maturity and breeding in the wild."

The Philippine eagles have thrived in the area through the years with the help of the local community, specifically the Guilang-guilang Apo Datu Nanikonan Association, Inc. (GADNAI), as the site is part of their ancestral domain.

Carbon sink management, eagle preservation, and the involvement of indigenous peoples are essential components of environmental sustainability. These issues are interrelated; thus, a balanced approach is necessary for long-term success.

"FDC Misamis understands that managing carbon sinks is necessary to mitigate the impacts of climate change while preserving the Philippine eagle is crucial to maintaining biodiversity. Indigenous peoples, who have long-standing relationships with these ecosystems, play an essential role in ensuring these efforts succeed," said FDC Misamis President & CEO Juan Eugenio L. Roxas.

"We are happy to link GADNAI with FDC Misamis and help build this new partnership. Hopefully, this collaboration will prosper into the future not only for the eagles but for the benefit of the people and ultimately for the nation's interest," said PEF Executive Director Dennis Salvador.

GADNAI plays a critical role in reforestation's success. Part of the project component is capacity building for locals and providing alternate livelihood. Indigenous communities have often been excluded from conservation efforts or have had their knowledge and practices disregarded. Their involvement in these efforts can promote social and environmental justice.

"By recognizing and respecting GADNAI's rights and contributions, we can work towards a more equitable and sustainable future," added Roxas.

FDC Misamis owns and operates a 405-megawatt thermal baseload power plant in Villanueva, Misamis Oriental, which significantly contributes to the stability of the Mindanao grid. Its parent company, FDC Utilities, Inc. (FDCUI), the power and utility arm of the Filinvest Group, is also pursuing the development of sustainable energy projects such as solar, hydropower, biomass, and waste-to-energy projects.

The carbon sink management program is the Filinvest Group's second project with PEF. Initial conservation efforts started in 2019 when Filinvest, through FDCUI, adopted Philippine Eagle PE-A-84-WM022 formally, now known as Dagitab. (PR)