A JUVENILE Philippine Eagle was sighted perched within the dense forests of the Panigan-Tamugan Subwatershed in Davao City.
The juvenile eagle was spotted during the on-site habitat assessment conducted from May 5-8, 2026, by CENRO Davao City, biologists from the Philippine Eagle Foundation (PEF), the Public Safety and Security Office, and members of the Obu-Manuvu IP community of Tambobong
In a statement, DENR XI said the eagle was observed within the monitoring site throughout the activity. The PEF tagged the recently-sighted raptor to track its movements, including its flight paths.
“These interventions are necessary for monitoring and studying its long-term population viability,” DENR said.
To note, previous sightings of Philippine Eagles in the area were also recorded in 2024 and 2025.
“These consistent observations support the proposal of the area as a critical habitat for this Critically Endangered species,” the agency stressed.
The proposed conservation area spans approximately 2,964 hectares within the Panigan-Tamugan subwatershed.
DENR XI added the area features relatively intact forest ecosystems, river systems, and a high diversity of endemic species, and holds cultural and spiritual significance for the Obu Manuvu Indigenous Community.
To note, a public hearing last April 15 of the 21st City Council committee on environment and natural resources, headed by chairperson Councilor Temujin “Tek” Ocampo, approved the proposed critical habitat area for the Philippine Eagle and other threatened wildlife species in Barangay Tambobong, Baguio District, Davao City.
Ocampo told TIMES that the office is preparing the necessary resolution to declare the area a sanctuary for the Philippine eagle.
He clarified that the adoption of the resolution is not confiscatory but an affirmation of the need to protect the Philippine Eagle’s breeding ground, backed by research and studies from PEF and DENR.
The declaration of the critical habitat will incorporate provisions that respect the existing traditional way of life of the indigenous people and ensure strict enforcement against illegal structures.
