- Categories:
- Special Interest
- Tags:
- AwarenessWildlife
- Where:
- Philippines
- Date change rule:
- Every June 4
- Holiday emoji:
- 🦅
Philippine Eagle Week, observed annually from June 4 to 10, champions the critically endangered Philippine eagle. This dedicated week raises awareness for one of the world’s largest and rarest birds of prey. Join conservation efforts, learn about their habitat, and support initiatives to protect this magnificent species.
Want to sponsor Philippine Eagle Week? Learn how
Expected Philippine Eagle Week Deals
As Philippine Eagle Week centers on conservation, expected deals pivot from commercial sales to impactful fundraising and awareness campaigns. Organizations like the Philippine Eagle Foundation partner with corporations for donation drives, matching programs, and merchandise sales where proceeds directly support rescue, rehabilitation, and breeding efforts. Look for special events, educational exhibits, and online campaigns encouraging direct contributions. Major retailers in the Philippines may feature products with a portion of sales benefiting eagle conservation. We will update this page with confirmed live conservation initiatives as June 4 approaches.
Platform Guide for Philippine Eagle Week
Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #PhilippineEagleWeek. Share stunning photos or videos of eagles, conservation work, or educational graphics to raise awareness.
X/Twitter
Mention @NatlToday and use #PhilippineEagleWeek. Tweet facts about the Philippine eagle, share news on conservation, and engage in discussions about wildlife protection.
Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #PhilippineEagleWeek. Post educational content, organize virtual events, or share stories of conservation success to inspire community action.
Philippine Eagle Week Hero
Dioscoro S. Rabor
History of Philippine Eagle Week
The Philippine Eagle was first studied in 1896 by English explorer and naturalist, John Whitehead. He observed the bird alongside his servant and collected the first specimen. He then sent the skin of the bird to William Robert Ogilvie-Grant in London that same year. Robert showed it off in a local restaurant and moved on to describe the species a few weeks later.
After its discovery, the Philippine Eagle was called the ‘monkey-eating eagle’ as there were reports from the natives of Samar and Bonga, the eagle’s place of discovery, that it preyed exclusively on monkeys. It gave rise to the Philippine eagle’s generic name which stems from the Greek word ‘pithecus,’ meaning ‘ape or monkey,’ and ‘phagus’ meaning ‘eater of.’ The species’ name is derived from Jeffery Whitehead, the father of John Whitehead. After some time, studies began to reveal that the monkey-eating eagle ate other animals like large snakes, monitor lizards, and some large birds. The name ‘Philippine eagle’ was officially given to the animal by presidential proclamation in 1978 and it was declared a national emblem in 1995.
In terms of length and wing surface, the Philippine eagle is considered the largest of the extant eagle species. The Harpy eagle and the Steller’s sea eagle are larger in terms of bulk and weight. The Philippine eagle is now endangered due to hunting and the loss of its habitat due to deforestation. To combat this, the Philippines government banned the killing of the Philippine eagle and it is punishable by 12 years imprisonment and heavy fines. Not just the Philippines, but the world at large should join together to preserve the Philippine eagle for future generations.
Philippine Eagle Week timeline
The Philippine eagle is first studied by English explorer and naturalist, John Whitehead.
The skeletal features of the Philippine eagle are studied.
The name ‘Philippine eagle’ is officially given to the animal by presidential proclamation.
The Philippine eagle becomes a national emblem.
How Businesses Can Celebrate Philippine Eagle Week
Local businesses can honor Philippine Eagle Week by hosting educational workshops or webinars about the eagle’s habitat and conservation needs. Restaurants might offer a special ‘Eagle’s Feast’ with a portion of proceeds donated to the Philippine Eagle Foundation. Retailers can curate eco-friendly products or create window displays that highlight the beauty and plight of the eagle, encouraging customer engagement and support for local conservation efforts.
Philippine Eagle Week FAQs
When is Philippine Eagle Week?
Philippine Eagle Week 2026 runs from Thursday, June 4, through Wednesday, June 10. It’s a crucial period for raising global awareness about this magnificent, critically endangered bird.
How many Philippine eagles are left in the wild?
Conservationists estimate that there are fewer than 400 pairs of Philippine eagles remaining in the wild as of 2026. This critically low number underscores the urgency of ongoing protection and breeding programs.
What are the main threats to the Philippine eagle?
The primary threats to the Philippine eagle in 2026 include widespread habitat loss due to deforestation, illegal logging, and agricultural expansion. Poaching and shooting by local hunters also contribute significantly to their declining numbers.
Why is the Philippine eagle also called the 'monkey-eating eagle'?
The Philippine eagle earned the moniker ‘monkey-eating eagle’ due to early observations of its diet, which was believed to primarily consist of monkeys. While monkeys are indeed a part of its diet, the eagle also preys on a variety of other animals, including flying lemurs, large snakes, and birds.
How to Observe Philippine Eagle Week
Visit Philippines
Celebrate the week by visiting the Philippines. The week is filled with fun activities and all you have to do is observe or join in on one of the activities.
Advocate against deforestation
Advocate against deforestation not just during the week but throughout the year. It affects the animal in their local environment as they become displaced when they lose their habitat.
Spread awareness
Celebrate the day by spreading awareness. Lots of people, especially those living outside the Philippines don’t know about the week and so it presents a good opportunity to introduce them to the Philippines eagle.
5 Facts About The Philippine Eagle
It has a long lifespan
The Philippine eagle has a long lifespan as it can live up to 60 years.
Females are bigger
The female of the species is usually bigger than the males.
They have a distinguished noise
Philippine eagles have a loud and high-pitched noise to show their fierceness and territorial nature.
They have clearer eyesight than humans
Philippine eagles can see about eight times farther than humans.
They are monogamous
The Philippine eagle sticks with one partner all its life.
Why Philippine Eagle Week is Important
It preserves the Philippine eagle
As the Philippine eagle is an endangered species, celebrating the week draws us closer to finding ways to ensure their survival. This is a positive development for a truly magnificent animal.
It brings more attention to the Philippine eagle
Not everyone knows about the Philippine eagle and so the week brings more eyes to them. People get to find out about them during the week.
It discourages uncontrolled deforestation
The week discourages uncontrolled deforestation. This isn’t just good for the Philippine eagle, but for other animals and for the safety of the world as well.
Philippine Eagle Week dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | June 4–10 | Thursday–Wednesday |
| 2027 | June 4–10 | Friday–Thursday |
| 2028 | June 4–10 | Sunday–Saturday |
| 2029 | June 4–10 | Monday–Sunday |
| 2030 | June 4–10 | Tuesday–Monday |
Social Media Tips for Philippine Eagle Week
Individuals
Creators
Brands