Banahaw's Hope: Mayor Lourdes Reynoso-Pontioso supports return of Philippine Eagle

By Jay S. Lim M ayor Maria Lourdes "Lovely" Reynoso-Pontioso of Tayabas City, in a significant step towards environmental conserva...

By Jay S. Lim

Mayor Maria Lourdes "Lovely" Reynoso-Pontioso of Tayabas City, in a significant step towards environmental conservation, signing the collaborative agreement with the Philippine Eagle Foundation and the Forest Foundation of the Philippines to explore the reintroduction of the endangered Philippine Eagle to Mount Banahaw. (Jay S. Lim)

TAYABAS CITY, Quezon - The majestic peaks of Mount Banahaw, a very important natural treasure, felt a new sense of hope as Tayabas City, led by its dedicated Mayor Maria Lourdes "Lovely" Reynoso-Pontioso, took a big step to help its nature. To celebrate Earth Month, the Tayabas City government worked with the Philippine Eagle Foundation (PEF) and the Forest Foundation of the Philippines (FFP) to sign an important agreement.

This agreement is about something truly inspiring: the chance to bring back the endangered Philippine Eagle to the Banahaw-San Cristobal Protected Landscape (MBSCPL). Reflecting the Earth Day theme, "Our Power, Our Planet," this teamwork shows Mayor Reynoso-Pontioso's strong care for Banahaw's delicate nature and its precious animals.



The signing event, held at the New Tayabas City Hall, was the high point of a day that included an interesting movie shown by the City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO). The movie showed the important work of saving, caring for, and releasing Philippine Eagles back into their homes, giving a touching look at the difficulties and successes of saving these eagles.

People at the event could also help by buying Philippine Eagle items from the PEF, with proceeds supporting their conservation work. The agreement is a key partnership to carefully study if it's possible to bring back the national bird to Mt. Banahaw, involving ecological assessments of the area.

This teamwork will look closely at whether the area can support a healthy number of Philippine Eagles, making sure they can live there for a long time in this important place. Many important people and groups witnessed the important signing, showing that they are all working together for this big conservation goal.

Among them were Dr. Francisco N. Beltran from SLSU-Mt. Banahaw Forest Protection and Conservation Unit, Mr. Eric D. Buduan of the Forest Foundation Philippines, and Regional Executive Director of DENR-Calabarzon Mr. Nilo B. Tamoria. These individuals represent key organizations and government agencies involved in environmental protection and conservation efforts in the region.

Also witnessing the significant signing were Director for Operations of the Philippine Eagle Foundation, Inc., Dr. Jayson Ibañez, and University Professor from Southern Luzon State University, Dr. Cecilia N. Gascon. Their presence underscores the scientific and conservation expertise being brought to this initiative. Tayabas City's own ENRO, represented by Mr. Melvin C. Rada, also played a crucial role.

Protected Area Superintendent of MBSCPL Josephine Barrion, OIC of Provincial ENRO Engr. Cyril Coliflores, and the driving force behind this endeavor, Tayabas City Mayor Lovely Reynoso-Pontioso, were present. Local community support was evident through the enthusiastic participation of groups like Tapat Kalikasan, DRRMO, Tayabas City - BFP, the City Veterinary Office, the Senior Citizen Federation, and the OCM – Sports Office, highlighting a unified commitment to environmental protection.

Mayor Reynoso-Pontioso's active role is part of the bigger network of government and private groups working hard to protect the Philippine Eagle. The Philippine Eagle Foundation, a main partner in this, does important work by teaching people and taking steps to improve the eagles' situation in the wild.

The Philippine Eagle is more than just a beautiful bird; it's a strong symbol of the Philippines' unique natural beauty and rich variety of life. Its strength and beauty reflect how strong our natural resources are, making its protection a matter of national pride and a very important environmental need.

The whole celebration, organized by the City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) under the leadership of CENRO Melvin Rada, held on Tuesday, April 21, 2025, at the New Tayabas City Hall Atrium, is a powerful reminder that we all need to protect our planet. Mayor Reynoso-Pontioso's strong commitment to this cause shines brightly, offering a hopeful future for the animals and nature of Mount Banahaw.