Philippine Eagles Return to Leyte's Forests: A Conservation Success Story

Two Philippine Eagles Soar Back to Freedom in Leyte In a heartwarming display of conservation success, two critically endangered Philippine Eagles were released back into the wild in the forests of Leyte, Philippines, on May 21, 2025. This event marked a significant milestone in the Philippine Eagle Reintroduction Program (PEF), a collaborative effort dedicated to saving this iconic bird of prey. The GMA Integrated News video captures the emotional moment of the release, showcasing the meticulous care taken by the PEF team. The eagles, Kalatungan 1 and Lyra Sinababan, were rescued in 2024 and 2023 respectively, after suffering injuries. After rehabilitation, they were fitted with GPS trackers to monitor their progress in their new habitat. "This reintroduction program in Leyte is a crucial component of our overall conservation strategy," explained Jayson Ibañez, Director for Operations at the Philippine Eagle Foundation, in an interview featured in the video. "We aim to establish a self-sustaining population, ensuring the survival of the Philippine Eagle for generations to come." The video also highlights the challenges faced by the eagles in the wild, including habitat loss and poaching. The success of this release offers a beacon of hope, demonstrating that with dedicated conservation efforts, even the most endangered species can have a chance at survival. The continued monitoring of Kalatungan 1 and Lyra Sinababan will provide valuable data for future conservation strategies.