The Philippines is a country known for its abundant natural resources and breathtaking sceneries, which also make the land the home to a variety of species in the wild. Among these endemic animals is the Philippine Serpent Eagle. Its current estimated population in the wild is 10,000 and is considered as ‘least concern’ in its conservation status.
On August 2, 2022, the Environment, Disaster Management, and Emergency Response Office (EDMERO) of the Provincial Government of Camarines Sur received a report from Vincent Polvoriza, a teacher at San Jose Pili National High School (SJNHS) about a juvenile Philippine Serpent Eagle within the school premises. The said eagle was caught by a student’s parent during the school’s clean-up drive and was sent to Mr. Polvoriza for immediate attention. Upon receiving the report, the EDMERO, together with the Provincial Veterinarian, rescued the eagle and did a thorough checkup for possible injuries or complications. Fortunately, the eagle was diagnosed with only mild dehydration. It was given the necessary treatment for its condition and was turned over to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (DENR-PENRO) for proper custody.
After fully recovering, the DENR-PENRO assessed that the eagle is fit enough to return to the wild. A ceremonial release of the eagle was led by the DENR-PENRO, in coordination with the Provincial Government of Camarines Sur, through EDMERO, and Governor Luigi Villafuerte on August 5, 2022 at Mt. Isarog, Natural Park, Curry, Pili, Camarines Sur.
“Sobrang nakakaogma talaga na makahanap kita nin sarong Serpent Eagle igdi sa satuyang probinsya. Mas nakakaogma po ta natawan ta ini ning mas marhay na futuro sa pag-release ta saiya igdi sa Mt. Isarog Natural Park,” said Governor Luigi.
Before the rescuers bid their goodbyes to the majestic juvenile eagle, Governor Villafuerte gave the eagle a gender-neutral name “Louie” as a tribute to the dubbed “original Agila” of the province, the late Congressman Luis R. Villafuerte, Sr. Louie was the first rescued and released eagle in the province of Camarines Sur under the leadership of Governor Luigi Villafuerte.
The releasing of captured or found wildlife animals back to its natural habitat is part of the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act, which aims to provide for the conservation, preservation, and protection of wildlife species and their habitats, in order to preserve and encourage ecological balance and biological diversity. Under this Act, the DENR shall have jurisdiction over all terrestrial plant and animal species, while the Department of Agriculture (DA) shall have jurisdiction over all declared aquatic critical habitats and all aquatic resources.
Alongside the various programs for the Camarinenses, the Provincial Government extends support and takes actions needed to help with the conservation and protection of the environment and its natural resources through the EDMERO-Camarines Sur. For similar incidents, the Provincial Government asks the public to report to the office through their hotline number (054) 8811-1111 or to the DENR-PENRO for immediate and necessary response.
