Davao City moves to protect 3,000 hectares as Philippine Eagle habitat
A proposal to declare Barangay Tambobong in Davao City’s Baguio District as a critical habitat for the Philippine Eagle has gained momentum. The plan, discussed during a committee hearing on April 15, 2026, aims to safeguard nearly 3,000 hectares of vital forest and river ecosystems. If approved by the committee, it will move forward for final consideration in the plenary session. The proposed protected area spans roughly 2,964 hectares along the Panigan-Tamugan Watershed. This region is known for its intact forests, diverse endemic species, and its role as a key habitat for the endangered Philippine Eagle. A Critical Habitat Management Plan (CHMP) would be introduced, dividing the area into core zones, strict protection zones, and multiple-use zones to balance conservation with sustainable use.
The initiative is a collaborative effort involving the Indigenous Obu Manuvu of Tambobong, the Philippine Eagle Foundation (PEF), the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)-Davao, and the City Environment and Natural Resources Office (Cenro) Davao City. Dr. Franklyn R. Buenaflor, head of DENR-Davao’s Conservation and Development Division, explained that the proposal follows a harmonised framework for zoning and sustainable management. For the Obu Manuvu, the area holds deep cultural and spiritual importance. Dr. Jayson Ibañez, PEF’s director for operations, noted that the presence of Indigenous communities does not pose a threat to the Philippine Eagle. Instead, their involvement strengthens protection through legal recognition and community-led conservation efforts.
If approved, the declaration would provide stronger legal safeguards for the watershed and its wildlife. The plan also ensures that local communities remain central to conservation efforts. The next step depends on the committee’s decision before it reaches the plenary for final approval.
