Contents
Davao City, August 5, 2025 — In a stirring celebration of purpose and partnership, Ayala Land Davao and the Philippine Eagle Foundation (PEF) launched the Pride of the Forest campaign at the tranquil Lumad Nitibo Restaurant in D’Garden, Bago Aplaya, Talomo. The event marked the formal renewal of a five-year commitment to forest conservation, biodiversity awareness, and community engagement — a continuation of a legacy that seeks to protect the rare and majestic Philippine Eagle and its vanishing forest habitat.
While not a co-organizer, JCI Davao was warmly acknowledged as a life-long partner of the foundation, in recognition of its active role in conservation through initiatives like Project Malaya, a flagship program supporting the preservation of the Philippine Eagle and its environment.
🌿 A Campaign Rooted in Purpose
The Pride of the Forest campaign underscores a long-standing alliance between Ayala Land and PEF — a partnership that originally began with the adoption of a 50-hectare reforestation site. This renewed collaboration is designed not only to safeguard ecosystems but to invite more organizations, communities, and individuals to become lifelong stewards of Philippine biodiversity.
Among its core objectives are:
- Recognition of guests and supporters as enduring partners in conservation;
- Strengthening public-private environmental partnerships; and
- Amplifying awareness and engagement on issues surrounding deforestation and species preservation.
🖊️ Sealing Commitments: The MOU Signing
The highlight of the day was the formal Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signing, led by:
- Ar. Anna Mari Gonzales, Head of Sustainability – Ayala Land, Inc.
- Jenylle S. Tupaz, Senior Project Development Head – ALI VisMin
- Dr. Jayson C. Ibañez, Director of Operations – Philippine Eagle Foundation
This MOU outlines a new five-year roadmap for collaboration, featuring environmental protection efforts, community awareness campaigns, and student thesis presentations — reflecting an inclusive, science-based, and people-powered approach to conservation.
🎤 Voices of the Forest
The program opened with a welcome message from Ar. Anna Marie Gonzales, followed by meaningful insights from Dennis Salvador, Executive Director of PEF, and Atty. Ma. Mercedes Dumagan, Regional Executive Director of DENR XI.
Noteworthy presentations included:
- Rationale of the Campaign by Harold Kim Manla, Nature-based Solutions Coordinator – PEF Davao
- They Live Among Us, a captivating exploration of local wildlife by Almae Joy Labarca, PEF Wildlife Monitoring Officer
- The unveiling of the ACDF 5-Year Plan by Dr. Jayson Ibañez
Symbolic moments like the unveiling of the ADCF logo and signing of the Commitment Wall made the afternoon not only informative but also emotionally resonant.
🕊 A Shared Future for the Wild
As the program drew to a close, participants were invited to view the “Pride of the Forest” exhibit, showcasing species, stories, and hopes tied to the forests we must all strive to protect.
The event served as a beacon of collaboration, reminding all attendees that conservation is not a task for a few but a shared responsibility for many. As JCI Davao continues to support environmental efforts through Project Malaya and beyond, the spirit of unity ignited in this gathering will surely take root and grow.
📣 Join the Movement
The Pride of the Forest campaign reminds us: our forests are not just trees — they are homes, heritage, and hope. Whether you’re a student, a private citizen, or a community leader, you have a place in this movement.
🌐 Learn more. Engage. Protect what’s ours. Be one with the forest — be its pride.
