Pinsker’s hawk-eagle rescued in Sibulan Hydro System

Bernardo “Berny” Apal, 36, of Brgy. Sibulan, together with his two companions, rescued a helpless three-year-old Pinsker’s hawk-eagle after they found it entangled in tree roots while walking within the system of Hedcor’s Sibulan Hydropower Plant A.

Berny narrated that they then rushed to ask help from Hedcor. The hydro firm quickly responded and contacted the veterinarian Dr. Roberto Puentespina, Jr. for the proper care.

After preliminary observation, its breed was confirmed as a Pinsker’s hawk-eagle after it was mistakenly identified as a Philippine Eagle.

 It was noticed that the eagle was unresponsive, scrawny, and its left eye was injured.

For now, the Pinsker’s hawk-eagle is under the care of Dr. Bo. He said, "I will nurse the bird back to health and provide medication on the eagle's left eye in preparation for the bird’s release back to the wild once it is capable.

"The community’s swift and appropriate response underscores their crucial role in wildlife protection. Furthermore, this validates Hedcor’s Information Education Campaigns (IEC) for its Bagobo-Tagabawa host communities in Sta. Cruz.

 Hedcor’s IEC includes Biodiversity Orientation, Birdshow Experience, Birds Habitat Restoration and the newly inked Wildlife Inventory and Biodiversity Assessment Project with University of the Philippines-Mindanao.

As of September 10, Dr. Bo, informed Hedcor that the eagle is much better now. On a phone conversation he said, "He is eating on its own and perching on stump. Hydration status is almost normal, while the injury on his left eye is still persistent.

"With the guidance of Dr. Bo, Hedcor is targeting to release the eagle to the foothills of Mt Apo in two weeks from now.

Hedcor, a subsidiary of AboitizPower engaged in run-of-river hydro development and operations. It operates 57 MWs hydros in Davao del Sur and currently expanding its operations in Bukidnon with the 68.

8-MW Manolo Fortich Hydro. To date, Hedcor operates 22 hydropower plants with a total capacity of 185MW across the Philippines.