Philippine Eagle Week Marks 19th Year

I've been to the Philippine Eagle Center in Baguio District, Davao City twice already (the last was in 2011) and every visit always leaves me in awe of the majestic national bird. Indeed, Davao City and Mindanao in general are very fortunate to be the home of this Philippine eagle.

I took this photo of Dakila during my second visit to the Philippine Eagle Center in 2011. 

Thankfully, the Philippine eagle (scientific name: Pithecophaga jefferyi) has been declared as a national bird. This was done through Proclamation No. 615, series of 1995 signed by then President Fidel Ramos.

Kudos also to the government for setting a specific week each year to commemorate the importance of this king of birds. Through Proclamation No.  79, a Philippine Eagle Week is celebrated every year specifically from June 4 to 10. Apart from highlighting the beauty of the Philippine eagle, the week-long celebration also aims to gather support for the eagle and environmental conservation efforts spearheaded by the Philippine Eagle Foundation (PEF).

This 2017 which marks the celebration's 19th year, various events will take place mostly at SM City Davao in Ecoland. These include an exhibit, spoken word activity, eco-art workshop for kids and adults and a family day/open house at the Philippine Eagle Center on Saturday, June 10.

About the Philippine Eagle Center

Pag-asa, the first Philippine Eagle (weighs 7 kilos) to be bred in captivity. 

Situated at the foothills of Mt. Apo in Malagos, Baguio District and within the Malagos Watershed, the Philippine Eagle Center spans 8.4 hectares. Its primary function is to serve as a conservation breeding facility for endangered Philippine eagles and other birds. The center also boasts of a rain forest with different varieties of trees and plants.

Among the activities that can be enjoyed in the center are guided tours and bird watching. Visitors can also donate in various ways such as through the wild trail and tree of hope.

Couldn't resist taking a souvenir shot with the lush rain forest in the background. 

For more information about the Center, visit the Philippine Eagle Foundation website.