BISLIG CITY, Surigao del Sur -- The Local Chief Executive of Bislig City Mayor Florencio C. Garay, with the Department of Environmental and Natural Resources (DENR)- PENRO chief Victor Sabornido, and DENR-CENRO Bislig chief Nathaniel E. Racho, warmly welcomed the Philippine Eagle Foundation (PEF) during its  visit in Caraga Region on August 11 to 13, 2022.

Anchored from the theme: “Lasting Freedom from trapping, shooting and habitat loss for our national symbol”, the Behavior Change Campaign dubbed as "AgiLAYA", was conducted in Bislig City.

The campaign is in line with the 35th anniversary of PEF and the 50th anniversary of Dr. Kennedy’s return to the Philippines. PEF accordingly is a non-profit organization which is  dedicated to saving the endangered Philippine Eagle and its rainforest habitat.

The importance of saving, protecting, and rescuing the eagles is their advocacy, which brought Dr. Robert “Bob” S. Kennedy, Ornithologist, and instigator of Philippine Eagle Research and Conservation, to the Caraga Region.

Part of the activities covered by the said campaign was the Tree Planting Activity at DENR Arboretum, Sitio Sanyata, San Roque, and "Welcome Dinner" and Press Conference at Highland Function Farm and Restaurant on aUGUST 12, 2022. 

On August 13, Bislig Birdwatching FB Page Launching, Birdwatching Orientation, and Short Forum at Tinuy-an Falls, in Barangay Burboanan. There was also a Public Talk held at Bislig City Cultural and Sports Center.

Moreover, PEF exhibited on the customized t-shirts, jackets, key chains, and other merchandise wherein its proceeds will be used for the protection and conservation of the Philippine Eagles.

Attendees were Mayor Florencio C. Garay, represented by Mr. Napoleon L. Velez, City Information Officer; Mr. Dennis Salvador, PEF Executive Director and Dr. Jayson Ibanez; Mr. JC Sta. Teresa; Gen. William Hotchkiss III, Chairman, Cantilan Bank; For. Victor B. Sabornido (PENRO)-Surigao del Sur; Hon. Conrad Cejoco, SP Member; PNP-Bislig Personnel headed by PLtCol Micheal B. Lozada; DepEd Bislig Division Personnel and Staff, headed by Ms. Gregoria T. Su, Ph.D., Bislig City Division Superintendent; North Eastern Mindanao State University (NEMSU) Bislig Faculty, Students and Staff. The campaign was featured by Philippine Daily Inquirer, Rock Radio, and Radio Bandera. (NGPB/ CIO-Bislig/PIA-Surigao del Sur)