THE DEPARTMENT of Tourism XI held a training program on Thursday, Jan 15, 2026, to refresh accredited tour guides and students on the Philippine Eagle Center’s (PEC) history, conservation advocacies, and ecotourism.
The refresher training enlightens participants with important facts discussed by keynote speakers from the Philippine Eagle Foundation (PEF), along with new information about the center. Highlighted topics include the ecology and genomic studies, ongoing conservation efforts, and other subjects that are crucial for the survival of the eagle.
The Philippine Eagle, standing as an apex predator and a guardian of biodiversity, plays an ecological role in elevating tourism as well as drawing adventurers and travelers alike to the biodiversity of Mindanao.
Through the efforts of PEF in forest rehabilitation and strengthened collaborations, it ensures the safety of the endangered species to live on in the future while restoring their habitat where they can soar again once more.
During the training, Dominic Tadena, a senior animal keeper of PEF, holds a lecture to tackle conservation breeding, which covers semen cryopreservation, cooperative artificial insemination, and natural pairing, which are all vital in increasing the population of the species while in captivity.
Jay Are Montecino, PEF animal welfare and database officer, teaches guests on biosecurity and enrichment of the animals residing within the center. This involves following biosecurity measures to prevent bird flu (avian influenza) from spreading to the eagles.
PEF and DOT XI also printed the “Guide to the Philippines Eagle Center: 30 Experiences to Love”, a book that introduces PEC not only as a wildlife facility but also as a living classroom and forest sanctuary to save the national bird.
The field guide offers readers 30 unique experiences to spark curiosity, foster appreciation, and inspire pride in the Philippines’ natural heritage.
