The Department of Tourism 11 (DOT 11) and the Philippine Eagle Foundation (PEF) formalized their partnership on Wednesday through the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) aimed at strengthening the development of the Philippine Eagle Center (PEC) as both a premier tourism destination and a conservation education hub.
The collaboration, which was conceptualized in time for Earth Day 2026 celebration with signing held at the PEF in Barangay Malagos, Baguio District, Davao City, underscored a shared commitment to enhance visitor experience while promoting sustainable tourism practices anchored on environmental protection and cultural appreciation.
The agreement covers joint efforts in tourism and site development planning, including the formulation of tourism plans, infrastructure and amenity recommendations, and the conduct of culture-based training programs.
According to PEF, these initiatives will integrate conservation, eco-tourism, and Indigenous knowledge systems, while encouraging active community participation.
DOT 11 Director Tanya Rabat-Tan emphasized the importance of tourism as a tool for education and environmental stewardship.
She added that the initiative aims to deepen tourists’ appreciation of the country’s national bird and its conservation message.
“Ang tourism, gusto natin gamitin, gusto nato ni na ma-appreciate sa atong mga bisita kung unsay naa diri sa atua. And our Philippine Eagle has always been a symbol of environmental stewardship. Because need nato ma-protect and conserve,” she said.
Rabat-Tan also highlighted the role of community engagement, noting the participation of Indigenous groups and local stakeholders in promoting conservation through tourism.
“Ang tourism, gusto natin gamitin pinaagi sa pag-educate sa atong mga turista. Ang sunod niana, ma-appreciate na nila. And we thank Philippine Eagle for reaching out to us na makig-partner pod dira sa atong mga communities,” she said.
Meanwhile, PEF Executive Director Dennis Salvador stressed the broader significance of conservation, particularly in the face of global environmental and social challenges.
“Here in the home of the national bird, we are reminded of the beauty and fragility of our forest and of the urgent work needed to endure to ensure their survival. Earth Day reminds us of our shared responsibility to protect the environment that sustains us,” he said.
He described the Philippine eagle as both a symbol of the country’s rich biodiversity and the challenges posed by deforestation and climate change.
“The Philippine eagle stands as a powerful symbol of our country’s heritage, of our rich biodiversity, but also the challenges we face of deforestation, climate change, and loss of critical habitats. Yet, it is also a symbol of hope,” he added.
Salvador further underscored the importance of conservation even amid global conflicts, noting its role in sustaining life and fostering resilience.
“Protecting nature is in many ways an investment in peace because it safeguards the resources and environments that people depend on to survive and thrive,” he emphasized.
PEF said the partnership is expected to position the Philippine Eagle Center as a model for sustainable tourism development where biodiversity conservation, cultural heritage, and visitor engagement intersect.
