San Roque watershed, a sanctuary of PHL birds
SAN MANUEL—The tropical forests surrounding the San Roque Multi-purpose Dam Project (SRMDP) here is envisioned to become a sanctuary for various Philippine birds, including the monkey-eating Philippine Eagle.
Under a five-year reforestation and bird program beginning this year, the SRMDP Corporation aims to bring Philippine Eagles into the vast forests of the Cordillera and Caraballo mountains.
Tommy Valdez, vice president for corporate social responsibility of the San Roque Power Corporation, said the program is being supported by the Philippine Bird-Watching Club Inc. (PB-WCI) and the Philippine Eagle Foundation, Inc.
PB-WCI has already identified 65 bird species living in the tropical forest around San Roque dam, up from 29 species initially discovered when they launched the bird conservation program three years ago.
“We already have a bird conservation program but in addition to this, we are helping the Philippine Eagle Foundation to have an assessment on the possible Philippine Eagle habitat in the Cordillera and Caraballo mountains,” Valdez said.
If the bio-diversity assessment shows that the area is a favorable habitat, two eagles, a male and a female, will be brought in from Davao City.
The assessment will also identify other tree and animal species that will have to be introduced and protected in the area to make it suitable for the Philippine eagle.
“The Philippine Eagle will become a rallying point in seeking better watershed management protection in the Cordillera and Caraballo mountains,” Valdez said.
Another objective of the program is to bring back tree species growing in Philippine tropical forests that have already vanished for decades, making the San Roque as depository of these trees.
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