There are 68 species of eagles worldwide. The Philippine Eagle (Pithecophaga jefferyi) known as the "Agila ng Silanganan," stands as a national symbol of strength and resilience. Among 68 species, it is the largest in body length, measuring 39.4 inches, and the second largest in weight, at 14 lbs. The nation’s national bird is known for its distinct appearance described by its dark brown plumage with creamy white nape, and yellow powerful legs with large, sharp talons. It nests around large trees in order to scout prey easily. Due to its diet, it is also called a “monkey-eating eagle” which preys on monkeys and animals of the same size. However, it is classified as a threatened species with rapidly declining numbers over the past decade recording 392 pairs in 2023 nationwide. In fact, they can only be found on the four islands of the Philippines namely Luzon, Samar, Leyte, and Mindanao. 

One of the main reasons why Philippine Eagles are on the verge of extinction is because of deforestation. Deforestation destroys the natural habitat where the birds live. Thousands of hectares were lost because of intensive logging and slash-and-burn farming. The loss of habitat means not just no home–but also no place for reproduction and no place for food which then leads to starvation resulting in the endangerment of the species. Another reason is because of pollution; Eagles prey on food that is contaminated with harmful chemicals like pesticides and heavy metals which accumulate in their body over time. Lastly is hunting, farmers shoot the birds for food and sometimes for recreation. The Eagles aren’t able to recover because of the high mortality rate. It usually takes 5-7 years before they sexually mature and reproduce, however they are hunted before they take up to that stage. 

Tahanan para sa Agila ng Silanganan is an initiative dedicated to the conservation, rehabilitation, and protection of the Philippine Eagle by establishing a sustainable sanctuary that fosters environmental stewardship and scientific research.

This project aligns closely with the mission of conservation-focused organizations, environmental agencies, and corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives that aim to protect endangered species and promote biodiversity. Funders who support this initiative directly assist in the preservation of one of the world's rarest raptors, strengthening worldwide conservation efforts and encouraging community participation in environmental sustainability.

Collaboration is at the heart of this initiative. Key partners include local government units (LGUs), environmental NGOs, academic institutions, and indigenous communities, all of whom share a vested interest in the survival of the Philippine Eagle. LGUs provide regulatory support and land allocation, NGOs offer expertise in wildlife conservation, academic institutions contribute research and monitoring efforts, and indigenous communities play a crucial role in habitat preservation, given their deep connection to ancestral lands. These partnerships ensure a holistic approach to conservation, merging traditional ecological knowledge with scientific advancements.

Through Tahanan para sa Agila ng Silanganan, we envision a future where the Philippine Eagle thrives in its natural habitat, symbolizing hope and resilience for generations to come.