The first introductory meeting between Whitehead’s Ark team members and Sinab’baddan Kaag Tugallan Ka Sibulan (or Bagobo-Tagabawa community of Barangay Sibulan) elders was held on March 17, 2021. The online meeting took place between Toril, Davao and Metro Manila, and was facilitated by Maje Egento and Steffan Madrona of Philippine Eagle Foundation. Mica Cabildo and Tof Zapanta introduced themselves to the elders and presented the main concept of Whitehead’s Ark, while the Bagobo-Tagabawa elders shared their core beliefs and described their community’s cultural relationship with the Philippine eagle. The meeting successfully brought together Whitehead’s Ark and the Bagobo-Tagabawa community who both expressed enthusiasm and consent in working together.
The second online meeting between Whitehead’s Ark and Bagobo-Tagabawa elders took place on April 20, 2021 and was facilitated by Maje Egento and Jimbea Lucino of Philippine Eagle Foundation. A representative from National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) was also present to advise on necessary steps for working together. During this meeting, the village elders received a smartphone and action camera donated by Whitehead’s Ark to help forest guards in tracking wild Philippine eagles and documenting their patrols. Mica gave a short presentation about plans for Whitehead’s Ark, and the village elders agreed to a Photography, Videography and Digital Skills Workshop to be conducted in person when travel is possible.