May 22, 2025, Sorsogon City Campus – Four BSHM 1 students — Princess Nicole H. Jersey, Angel Shane D. Laurenaria, Catherine Kate E. Chua, and Kristene P. De Los Santos — rescued a brown baby owl that had fallen from a pili tree near the new CBM building and was being attacked by ants. The students carefully cleaned the owl and turned it over to Dr. Saturnino Carranza, Director of the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) office, who then entrusted it to Mrs. Judy G. Doma of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (DENR-PENRO). The group expressed pride in having played a role in protecting one of the country’s native species.
Affectionately named “Kwangie”/”CBem” by the students, the rescued owl is believed to be a Philippine Scops Owl (Otus megalotis), a small, nocturnal bird known for its distinct ear tufts and brown plumage. This species is one of 24 owl species found in the Philippines, at least five of which are endemic. These endemic species include the Philippine Scops Owl, the Philippine Hawk-Owl (Ninox philippensis), the Sulu Hawk-Owl (Ninox reyi), the Mindoro Boobook (Ninox mindorensis), and the Cebu Boobook (Ninox rumseyi).
The baby owl’s presence on campus is a promising indication that the university environment supports local wildlife and provides a habitat where endemic species like the Philippine Scops Owl can thrive. (SorSU PIO)
