In a move to strengthen eco-tourism and wildlife advocacy, the Department of Tourism XI and the Philippine Eagle Foundation, Inc., officially launched the “Guide to the Philippine Eagle Center: 30 Experiences to Love” in time for the Refresher Training on Philippine Eagle Natural History, on January 15 at the Philippine Eagle Center, Baguio District, Davao City.
The guidebook is designed to be a definitive tool for guides and educators, featuring 30 curated experiences intended to “spark curiosity, build appreciation, and inspire pride in the Philippines’ natural heritage”. It is also expected to standardize the quality of information provided at the PEC, ensuring that every visitor leaves not just with a photo, but with a deeper commitment to protecting the “King of Birds.”
DOT XI regional director Tanya Rabat Tan lauded the timing of the initiative, citing its importance for the tourism industry. “This is really a good way to start the year to do this refresher course to all our tour guides—to refresh and strengthen your knowledge and skills, and renew your commitment to excellence and conservation,” she stated.
Meanwhile, the training drew 42 DOT-accredited tour guides from Guide Davao and Dasig Turismo, alongside a new generation of youth tour guides. The program emphasized that tour guides are more than just escorts; they are the frontline of conservation education.
”As tourism guides, you have a vital role in this mission. You are storytellers and ambassadors,” said PEFI executive director Dennis I. Salvador. “The way you share information can shape how visitors perceive conservation and understand their own responsibility to nature. This training, hopefully, will deepen your understanding of our exhibits and our work so you can share accurate and meaningful experiences with confidence.”
A highlight of the session was a technical briefing by PEFI director of operations Jayson C. Ibañez, who shared cutting-edge insights into the genetic health of the national bird, including its DNA and genomics.
The day-long activity combined classroom learning with practical application, where participants engaged in immersive lectures and a mock tour led by a multidisciplinary team of experts, PEFI senior animal keeper Dominic Tadena, animal welfare and database officerJay Are S. Montecino, and biologist Andrei Von Mariano C. Tirona, together with Department of Agriculture XI senior agriculturist Dr. Armie S. Capuyan.
The sessions ensured that the tour guides could translate complex biological data into engaging narratives that resonate with diverse audiences.
