Sawaga-Dalwangan’s ‘glow up’ wins hearts, highlights threats to Philippine eagles

But behind the lighthearted reactions was the difficult journey that brought the young eagle back to health.

On July 3, farmer Marvin Linoy rescued Sawaga-Dalwangan after finding her wounded, with the help of the Daraghuyan Ancestral Domain Indigenous Political Structure and the Inhandig Tribal Multi-Purpose Cooperative.

The eagle arrived weak and suffering from a severe maggot infestation. Veterinarians also discovered two metal pellets lodged in her body: one in her wing and another in her left thigh.

After extensive treatment—including the removal of maggots, one pellet, and treatment of her wounds—the eagle was transferred to the isolation and rehabilitation facility at the Philippine Eagle Center.

Beyond jokes about Sawaga-Dalwangan’s transformation, many Filipinos also thanked those involved in rescuing her, including Linoy, local residents, Indigenous communities, veterinarians, and volunteers.

Some also used the moment to call attention to the Foundation itself, with users encouraging others to support the nonprofit through donations, volunteering, and sharing its conservation work. Some expressed surprise upon learning that the organization is not a government agency.

The Philippine eagle remains critically endangered, with only around 400 pairs estimated to remain in the wild, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature. The species continues to face threats from habitat loss, hunting, and human activity.

READ: