 |
| Philippine eagle Bayani at 11 weeks old |
The Philippine Eagle Foundation (PEF), in partnership with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Biodiversity Management Bureau (DENR-BMB) and Forest Foundation Philippines, formally launched the Philippine Eagle Species Action Plan (PESAP) 2024–2030 at the National Museum of Natural History, marking a major step forward in the country’s coordinated effort to secure the future of the critically endangered Philippine Eagle.
 |
| Philippine eagle Bayani at 1-7 days old |
The event gathered conservation leaders, government officials, scientific, and partners to present the country’s updated national roadmap for Philippine Eagle conservation.
The gathering underscored the shared commitment of institutions and partners working together to safeguard the Philippine Eagle and its forest habitat. Leaders from key partner organizations reflected on the importance of collaboration, science-based conservation, and collective responsibility in ensuring the long-term survival of the country’s national bird.
Reflecting on the role of cultural and scientific institutions in safeguarding biodiversity, Ms. Maileen Rondal, OIC Director II of the National Museum of Natural History, emphasized the importance of protecting the country’s natural heritage.
“The National Museum embraces this duty through our mandate to protect, preserve, study, and passionately promote our irreplaceable natural heritage so that generations yet unborn may inherit a world still alive with wonder. When we protect one, we safeguard all—our health, our cultural roots, our futures, and the very soul of our nation,” she said.
Emphasizing the urgency of collective action to secure the future of the Philippine Eagle, Felicia Atienza, Chairperson of the Philippine Eagle Foundation’s Board of Trustees, underscored the importance of sustained collaboration across sectors.
“We need what conservation has always demanded from us: unity, persistence, and accountability. We must work together, across agencies, across regions, across sectors, and we must not stop until the Philippine Eagle is safe in the wild—until its nesting territories are secure, its forests are connected, and ensure that its young can survive to adulthood,” she said.
Emphasizing the broader ecological and cultural significance of protecting the Philippine Eagle, Atty. Jose Andres Canivel, Executive Director of Forest Foundation Philippines, noted that the species serves as a powerful indicator of healthy ecosystems and resilient communities.
“The Philippine Eagle is more than an iconic species. It is a living indicator of forests that are still functioning as they should. Where eagles thrive, forests are mature, ecological processes are intact, watersheds remain healthy, and biodiversity is rich. Their presence also reflects landscapes where Indigenous Peoples and local communities continue to uphold strong traditions of stewardship over their lands and forests. In this time of the Anthropocene, protecting the Philippine Eagle demands a deeper commitment to conservation and to ensuring that these birds continue to soar in forests where they can live and nest without disturbance,” he said.
Mariglo Rosaida Laririt, Assistant Director of the Biodiversity Management Bureau (DENR), stressed the gravity of the moment and the responsibility of the current generation.
“Let us be honest about what is at stake. The extinction of the Philippine Eagle would be more than an ecological tragedy. It would be a failure of governance. A failure of political will. A failure of the generation that had both the knowledge and the tools to act — and chose not to,” she said.
The centerpiece of the gathering was the formal presentation and launch of the Philippine Eagle Species Action Plan (PESAP) 2024–2030, a strategic framework that outlines priority actions to address the key threats facing the species, including habitat loss, hunting, and human-wildlife conflict.
The PESAP provides a coordinated roadmap for government agencies, conservation organizations, local communities, and international partners working together to ensure the long-term survival of the Philippine Eagle.
More than a symbolic document, the Philippine Eagle Species Action Plan (PESAP) 2024–2030 serves as a national recovery roadmap for the species. The plan outlines coordinated actions across critical areas, including research and monitoring, rescue and rehabilitation, law enforcement, legislation, habitat protection and restoration, education and stewardship, community development, and sustainable conservation financing. Through these strategies, PESAP aims to protect nesting territories, reconnect forest habitats, strengthen local communities, and reduce threats and mortality across Philippine Eagle landscapes, ensuring a stronger and more resilient future for the country’s national bird.
While the launch of the Philippine Eagle Species Action Plan (PESAP) 2024–2030 outlined the country’s strategic roadmap for protecting the species, the gathering also marked a powerful symbol of progress in Philippine Eagle conservation. The Philippine Eagle Foundation publicly announced the successful hatching of Philippine Eagle Chick No. 32, a milestone achievement of the Foundation’s Conservation Breeding Program.
The chick has been named “Bayani,” following its adoption by Mr. Nico Herth of Procon Grumbach. Procon Grumbach is the developer of the modern incubator systems currently used by the Philippine Eagle Foundation’s Conservation Breeding team at the National Bird Breeding Sanctuary, providing critical technology that supports the careful incubation and early development of Philippine Eagle eggs.
“At Procon Grumbach, we believe technology can play a vital role in protecting endangered species. Knowing that our incubation systems support the Philippine Eagle Foundation’s conservation breeding efforts makes the birth of Bayani especially meaningful. We are proud to stand with the Foundation in giving this iconic bird a stronger future,” he said.
 |
| (Photo: National Museum of Natural History) |
The continued progress of Philippine Eagle conservation has been made possible through the enduring support of partners who share the Foundation’s commitment to protecting the country’s national bird and its forest home. Among the Foundation’s long-standing partners is Boeing, whose support has significantly strengthened key conservation initiatives, particularly the Conservation Breeding Program at the National Bird Breeding Sanctuary and the Foundation’s conservation education efforts that inspire greater public awareness and action for the Philippine Eagle.
“Boeing’s partnership with the Philippine Eagle Foundation reflects our belief that business should strengthen our communities where our employees live and work, by applying sustainable solutions to local challenges and by maintaining the focus and flexibility to respond to local needs. Boeing is humbled to contribute to the Philippine Eagle Foundation’s vital work which plays a crucial role in rehabilitating and increasing the population of this species,” said Penny Burtt, president, Boeing Southeast Asia.
Emphasizing the importance of global partnerships in safeguarding endangered species, Karel Hejč, Ambassador of the Czech Republic to the Philippines, highlighted how international cooperation strengthens conservation efforts across borders.
“Protecting endangered species such as the Philippine Eagle is a responsibility that extends beyond national boundaries. Through international cooperation, the sharing of knowledge, technology, and expertise, we can strengthen conservation efforts and support the remarkable work being done here in the Philippines. The Czech Republic is proud to stand with partners who are committed to ensuring that this magnificent bird continues to soar in the wild for generations to come,” he said.
Through a video message, Liberec Zoo reaffirmed its continued support for the Philippine Eagle Foundation and its conservation breeding efforts to secure the future of the species. The zoo emphasized that international collaboration among conservation institutions remains essential in advancing science-based strategies to protect the Philippine Eagle and its forest habitat.
The guests were also invited to view a photo gallery exhibit featuring the developmental milestones of Philippine Eagle Chick No. 32 and highlights of the Philippine Eagle Foundation’s Conservation Breeding Program.
The launch of the Philippine Eagle Species Action Plan 2024–2030 and the announcement of Philippine Eagle Chick No. 32 “Bayani” represent renewed momentum for Philippine Eagle conservation. Through science-based conservation, strong partnerships, and community engagement, the Philippine Eagle Foundation and its partners continue to work toward a future where the Philippine Eagle thrives once again in the country’s forests.
(PR)
