They replaced Joselito “Butch” Campos and Alexandra Eduque, whose service and contributions were recognized by the foundation.
The PEF credited Campos for his support, saying it “helped strengthen PEF’s foundations during a critical period of growth,” while noting that his commitment to protecting the Philippine Eagle and its forest habitat “left a lasting mark on the foundation.”
Campos is the director and chief executive officer of Del Monte Pacific and chair and chief executive officer of the NutriAsia Group of Companies.
Meanwhile, the PEF said Eduque “brought heart, purpose, and an unwavering sense of mission to her role as trustee.”
Eduque, a columnist for The Manila Bulletin, is the founder and chair of the MovEd Foundation.
Business, legal leaders
In announcing Zobel’s appointment, the PEF described the Ayala Corp. non-executive director as “a distinguished business leader and a committed champion of Filipino heritage.”
“His life’s work reflects a conviction that is close to our own: that what we protect today defines what future generations will inherit,” the foundation said.
Fernandez, executive vice president and chief operating officer of Philippine Airlines, was cited for his expertise in legal affairs, governance, management, institutional development, and strategic leadership.
“Protecting the Philippine Eagle requires people who understand how institutions are built, sustained, and held accountable — and Atty. Fernandez brings exactly that,” the PEF said.
Conservation mission
Founded in Davao City 38 years ago, the Philippine Eagle Foundation began with a group of advocates determined to save the critically endangered Philippine Eagle and protect the biodiversity that thrives alongside it.
Originally based in Baracatan, the PEF transferred in 1988 to Malagos due to security concerns. The site later became home to the Philippine Eagle Center (PEC), a conservation, breeding, and educational facility.
The successful hatching of Pag-asa in 1992 — the first Philippine Eagle bred and hatched in captivity — marked a major milestone for conservation efforts. This was followed by the birth of Pagkakaisa, further boosting public support and awareness for the foundation’s mission.
In 2020, despite pandemic-induced lockdowns, the PEF rescued a record 10 eagles, significantly higher than the usual one to two rescues annually.
In 2023, the ALI Davao Carbon Forest (ADCF) received recognition at the ASEAN Green Initiatives as one of Southeast Asia’s leading ecosystem restoration efforts.
In March this year, the PEF introduced Philippine Eagle Chick 32, named Bayani. The chick is the offspring of Philippine Eagles Dakila and Sinag and was produced through cooperative artificial insemination.
Among the PEF’s corporate members are Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corp., Philippine Airlines Inc., Del Monte Pacific Ltd., San Roque Power Corp., FDC Utilities Inc., and Insular Foundation Inc. —Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
Features Reporter
