The Philippine Eagle Foundation is a private, non-stock, non-profit organization dedicated to saving the endangered Philippine Eagle (Pithecophaga jefferyi) and its rainforest habitat. Organized in 1987, it had before that time been operating as a project undertaking research, rehabilitation, and captive breeding. Staffed by highly trained and dedicated personnel, it has today evolved into the country’s premiere organization for the conservation of raptors.
The Philippine Eagle Foundation firmly believes that the fate of our vanishing Philippine Eagle, the health of our environment, and the quality of Philippine life are inextricably linked. We are therefore committed to promote the survival of the Philippine Eagle, the biodiversity it represents, and the sustainable use of our forest resources for future generations to enjoy.
RATIONALE
There is no action-oriented organization in the country focused on saving the Philippine Eagle and its habitat other than the Philippine Eagle Foundation (PEF).
The Philippine Eagle is ecologically important to people and yet vulnerable to human activities. Conservation of the Philippine Eagle contributes to sustainable development and improves the quality of human life by maintaining biological diversity and environmental health.
The PEF's work helps develop public understanding of wildlife and natural resources issues thereby generating grassroots support for national policy decisions.
The PEF's holistic approach to wildlife management presents a model for replication in the international arena. The PEF facilitates participation by individuals, corporations, non-government organizations, schools and communities through its unique conservation initiatives.
The Philippine Eagle is an important natural and cultural heritage. It is a powerful symbol by which our people can rally around for the conservation of our natural resources.
PROGRAMS
The Foundation takes a comprehensive approach to conservation, engaging in research, off-site and on-site protection, community-based efforts, and public education to promote greater understanding and achieve results in the preservation of the eagle and its habitat.
CONSERVATION BREEDING PROGRAM
The program is directed at developing a viable gene pool and propagating the target species ex situ. The goal of this program is to release offspring back into the wild to help complement wild populations.
The program has been primarily responsible for producing fourteen captive-bred Philippine Eagles to date. The animal caretakers and biologists of the Conservation Breeding team have also been heavily involved in the planning and execution of the Foundation’s eagle release projects, including the preparation of eagles targeted for release. The work also involves rehabilitating injured eagles recovered from the wild and the care and management of other raptors and animal species housed at the Philippine Eagle Center in Malagos, Baguio District, Davao City.
FIELD RESEARCH PROGRAM
Our research agenda is focused on addressing the many biological questions concerning the eagles that will provide the basis for the hands-on management of the eagles in the wild. The work involves locating active nests, monitoring the breeding status of wild eagles, tracking to establish pattern in home ranges, juvenile dispersal, habitat use, and other aspects of the bird’s life history. The program is also responsible for the retrieval and rescue of wildlife captured by local people. Recent developments in field research include the design and execution of habitat management plans and the establishment of forest corridors to bridge the small patches of forests remaining in Mindanao.
COMMUNITY-BASED INITIATIVES PROGRAM
We work with marginal income families in the uplands to build local capability in addressing issues impacting their welfare and to provide them with sustainable economic enterprises as livelihood alternatives. We operate on the premise that long-term solutions to sustainable resource management involve the empowerment of the upland communities. The Community-based Initiatives program has also been heavily involved in the implementation of the habitat management and forest corridor projects of the Foundation.
CONSERVATION EDUCATION PROGRAM
This program targets urban and rural communities in developing public awareness and understanding of wildlife conservation issues. Our partners and linkages include teachers, students, local government units, private business corporations, and indigenous cultural communities as well as the print and broadcast media. We provide venues and develop materials such as the Open Classroom Project with which to educate the nation about our wildlife resources and the need to conserve them. The Conservation Education team facilitates tours of the Philippine Eagle Center, field trips, school visits, and public exhibits on a regular basis. An Advocacy and Extension Services team also works closely with local government units, and communities for the implementation of eagle and habitat protection measures.
