Pursuant to Presidential Proclamation No. 79, June 4-10 each year is observed as Philippine Eagle Week to celebrate the beauty of the country’s national bird and attract interest and support for the eagle and environmental conservation efforts.

Activities lined up by the Philippine Eagle Foundation (PEF) for this year’s celebration, which is centered on the theme “Kaligtasan ng Agila at Kalikasan, Kasaganahan ng Sambayanan’’ include a motorcade, tree planting, and workshops.

The PEF, which has been in the forefront of the conservation efforts for the endangered national bird – the Philippine Eagle (Pithecophaga jefferyi) – has been taking steps to save the eagle from extinction, ensure that the remaining forests of the country are thriving, and improve the quality of life of Filipinos by maintaining a healthy balance in the environment.

The Philippine Eagle Center (PEC) in Davao City will mount exhibits and displays to make more people more aware and involved in initiatives to protect our eagles and our environment.

For 20 years now, the center has bred and raised “Pag-asa’’ and 21 other Philippine eagles. The PEC has been monitoring and protecting eagle populations not only in Mindanao but also in Luzon, Samar, and Leyte. In partnership with upland communities, the PEC has been helping in the protection of over 300,000 hectares of forests at the foot of the country’s highest mountain, Mt. Apo, and has assisted forest communities through livelihood and development projects.

A tree-planting caravan is scheduled on June 27 in Arakan Valley, North Cotabato, which is home to many Philippine eagles and a variety of flora and fauna.

As we observe the 11th Philippine Eagle Week, let us keep in mind that every single initiative to protect our native and endangered species, in particular, and our environment, in general, will help ensure and secure a healthy and balanced ecosystem for our current and future generations.