Kalinga farmer given recognition for reporting trapped Philippine Serpent Eagle, leading to its rescue

TABUK CITY, Kalinga – A farmer in Barangay Nambaran, Tabuk City, has been commended by the provincial government for reporting a Philippine Serpent Eagle accidentally trapped on his farm, helping authorities rescue the bird safely.

The commendation was decided upon by the Kalinga Sangguniang Panlalawigan during their session on November 10, 2026.

Jerry Bonagan was recognized for promptly reporting the incident to authorities instead of attempting to keep or handle the bird himself. The provincial government also acknowledged the cooperation of Nambaran barangay officials and concerned environment personnel in the rescue operation.

The commendation was granted through a resolution adopted by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP), with Vice Governor Atty. Dave Q. Odiem presiding, and approved by Governor James S. Edduba.

Bonagan received the resolution during the provincial board’s regular session on Tuesday, November 10, at the Legislative Building in Bulanao, Tabuk City.

Based on a copy of the resolution obtained by Guru Press Cordillera, Bonagan discovered the Philippine Serpent Eagle trapped on his farm on February 27, 2026. He immediately reported the incident to the concerned authorities.

He reportedly informed Forester Divina Ticnag, who relayed the report to Forester Sanny Paga on March 2, 2026.

The report reached the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) team while its personnel were already in Tabuk City for an Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) activity at Calaocan Elementary School in Barangay Rizal, in observance of World Wildlife Day.

After the activity, the team proceeded to Barangay Nambaran to retrieve the eagle.

The rescued bird was subsequently turned over to the DENR Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) Tabuk for proper assessment and documentation.

Barangay Captain Jimmy Suwagon and other barangay officials witnessed the turnover.

The resolution cited Bonagan’s decision to report the trapped bird rather than harm, keep or disturb it as the basis for the commendation.

It also recognized the Nambaran barangay officials and DENR-CENRO personnel for their prompt coordination and appropriate response, which helped ensure the bird’s safe retrieval and proper handling.