GIGAQUIT, SURIGAO DEL NORTE — On World Wildlife Day 2026, the Philippine Eagle Foundation (PEF) and local leaders launched an urgent appeal to residents to protect the forests of Surigao del Norte, which have been confirmed as a vital stronghold for the critically endangered Philippine eagle.
Launched at Lasicam-Perral National High School in Barangay Sico-Sico, the initiative aims to safeguard the raptors’ remaining habitats. Dr. Jayson Ibañez, PEF director for operations, highlighted that Gigaquit is home to one of the “newly recorded ancient nesting sites in the world.”
- Active Pairs: The PEF has officially confirmed the presence of a resident breeding pair in Gigaquit’s forests.
- The Unhatched Egg: In a bittersweet revelation, the PEF displayed a Philippine eagle egg that was abandoned by a female last month after more than 60 days of incubation. While the embryo did not survive, laboratory tests confirmed the egg was fertilized, proving that eagles are actively reproducing in the area.
- Historical Rescues: The area gained attention in August 2020 following the rescue of “Balikatan,” a juvenile male eagle, which indicated a nearby nest. More recently, in November 2025, an adult eagle was photographed in flight carrying prey back to a new nest.
Retired Lt. Gen. William Hotchkiss III, former PEF trustee, stressed that the mountains of Gigaquit are the “ecological backbone of the Caraga region.” Protecting these forests not only saves the national bird but also ensures the region’s water supply and environmental stability.
The PEF plans to expand its education campaign to nearby communities to ensure that locals understand the global importance of the “ancient” forests they live next to.