The Philippine Eagle Foundation bares that the municipality of Mati, Davao Oriental is ready to declare 7,000 hectares of their forest land as critical habitat for Philippine Eagles in support of our efforts to preserve what is among the last remaining large forest blocks in the country, the Eastern Mindanao Corridor (EMC). This is truly a milestone event as Mati is the first among the municipalities along the EMC to implement such action to preserve our natural resources.
PEF hopes that many other areas will follow suit in this initiative, thereby increase the number of hectares devoted not just for the endangered Philippine Eagle to live in but also for our future generations to live by as well. With Mati, we hope to be ale to show that balance in the use of our resources must always be sought and that it is achievable, and that in spite of the difficult times our country is facing, development also means conservation.
Mati's declaration of the critical habitat was held on Monday 24, to coincide with their celebration of the Sambuokan Festival. The program started at 9 a.m. at the Mati Municipal Hall.
PEF urges everyone's support in garnering public understanding and support for the protection of our national bird and forests.