Filinvest Group’s FDC Utilities, Inc. (FDCUI) has renewed its adoption of Philippine Eagle Dagitab, reinforcing its commitment to conservation and habitat restoration. This partnership with the Philippine Eagle Foundation (PEF) highlights the vital role of corporate support in protecting one of the world’s most endangered raptors.
Dagitab, a rescued Philippine Eagle under PEF’s care at the Philippine Eagle Center in Davao City, depends on continued support for its well-being. Through this adoption, FDCUI helps provide food, veterinary care, and enrichment activities to Dagitab.
PEF Executive Director Dennis Salvador emphasized the importance of partnerships like this in sustaining conservation efforts.
“Support from companies like Filinvest ensures that we can continue providing the necessary care for rescued eagles and invest in long-term conservation strategies. Corporate partnerships play a crucial role in sustaining our work, from rehabilitating injured eagles to protecting and restoring their natural habitats. The challenges of eagle conservation require a multi-sectoral approach, and long-term commitments from private entities help bridge critical funding and resource gaps, enabling us to strengthen research, education, and forest protection efforts,” he said.
Dagitab is one of the oldest and most prolific Philippine Eagles at the Philippine Eagle Center (PEC). Born on May 5, 1984, he played a crucial role in the conservation breeding program. Over the years, Dagitab was successfully paired with Elisa, producing 10 offspring—an extraordinary contribution to the survival of his species. Recently, an attempt to pair him with Mayumi was made, though it was unsuccessful. Now at 40 years old, Dagitab continues to be a significant presence at the PEC.
“Filinvest focuses on tangible initiatives that contribute to the preservation of the country’s rich ecosystem,” said Juan Eugenio L. Roxas, President and CEO of FDCUI. “By renewing our adoption of the Philippine Eagle Dagitab, we are not only ensuring the survival of this magnificent species but also advancing our sustainability commitments.”
Since 2019, FDCUI has actively supported PEF’s conservation efforts through habitat restoration and public awareness campaigns. The company backs reforestation efforts in Bukidnon through the Kilag-udan Apo Datu Nanikunan Tribal Association Inc. or KADNTAI (formerly GADNAI) Reforestation and Carbon Sink Project, a 20-hectare restoration initiative in Mt. Tago, Manolo Fortich. This project aids biodiversity recovery, indigenous land rights, and sustainable livelihoods by restoring native forests and implementing community-led conservation programs.
GADNAI Kapulinagan Carbon Forest. Officials of PEF, FDC Misamis, GADNAI, and LGU Manolo Fortich during the unveiling of the GADNAI Kapulinagan Carbon Forest. Seen above are (from L-R) PEF Director for Operations Dr. Jayson Ibanez, PEF Executive Director Mr. Dennis Salvador, FDC Misamis President and CEO Mr. Juan Eugenio L. Roxas, GADNAI Chairman and Head Claimant Datu Honorio Sumohoy, Manolo Fortich Municipal Administrator Mr. Joey Gaid, and Guilang-guilang Brgy. Captain Mr. Glenn Sumohoy Gulle.
With deforestation and illegal hunting threatening the Philippine Eagle, corporate partnerships are crucial for conservation. FDCUI’s continued involvement strengthens preservation programs while promoting environmental responsibility and inspiring other organizations to contribute to protecting the country’s national bird.
FDCUI is the Filinvest Group’s holding company for its power generation projects. Its flagship power project is the FDC Misamis 405-megawatt baseload power plant in Villanueva, Misamis Oriental, which significantly contributes to the stability of the Mindanao grid. The company also develops renewable energy sources such as solar, hydro, and biomass power projects.
(PR)
