When it comes to symbols that truly capture the essence of the Philippines and its people, few are as iconic as the Philippine eagle. This majestic bird appears everywhere—from brand logos and jeepney graffiti to the ₱1,000 bill in our wallets.
Sadly, the same cannot be said for the wild. The Philippine eagle population in its natural habitat remains critically low—a reality the Philippine Eagle Foundation (PEF) is determined to change. Over the past four decades, the foundation has carried out rescue missions, rehabilitation, and conservation efforts to keep these raptors soaring. Achieving its mission, however, requires more support and helping hands.
The PEF gained just that by joining forces with Boeing. The global aerospace company made a symbolic gesture by adopting two Philippine eagles, directly contributing to the foundation’s Conservation Breeding Program. Through this initiative, conservation partners can name and adopt eagles while directly supporting their care, veterinary needs, and nutrition. Their partnership was officially sealed through a naming ceremony held at the National Museum of Natural History in Manila on Feb. 26, 2025.
“Boeing’s partnership with the foundation reflects our firm belief as a company that we should contribute to the communities where we work,” said Penny Burtt, president of Boeing Southeast Asia. “We should prioritize the things that the countries we partner with care about and treasure so that we can deeply connect and collaborate in meaningful ways that give back to culture and community.”
According to Department of Environment and Natural Resources Undersecretary Ernesto Adobo Jr., only an estimated 392 breeding pairs—about 784 mature birds—remain in the wild. Their numbers are threatened by poaching, deforestation, and habitat destruction. The undersecretary emphasized that local and global partnerships are crucial to ensuring the Philippine eagle’s survival.
“With the support of Boeing and other business groups in the future, we can implement more effective and sustainable conservation strategies and address socio-economic pressures that impact species conservation,” Undersecretary Adobo said.
The event also featured Philippine eagle-inspired artworks created by grade school students from Ateneo de Manila University. These students participated in an art workshop led by the PEF, as part of the foundation’s mission to nurture young minds. Beyond creative expression, the students also suggested names for the two adopted eagles.
The first eagle was named Hiraya, a Filipino term meaning “fulfillment of dreams.” Rescued from the Mt. Kalatungan Range Natural Park in Bukidnon in 2024, Hiraya—previously known as Kalatungan 2—sustained a severe left-wing injury, likely caused by a “jolen” (marble gun). Due to the extent of the damage, the eagle underwent surgery on Aug. 31, 2024, which led to the amputation of its left wing. Despite this, Hiraya has shown resilience and is currently under PEF’s care, adapting well to its new circumstances.
The second eagle was first rescued in 2011 from the Mt. Apo range and was initially named Matatag. After being successfully rehabilitated at the Philippine Eagle Center, Matatag was released back into the wild in 2014. Unluckily, he faced post-release challenges and was eventually recaptured for further care. He has since become part of the PEF’s Conservation Breeding Program and is now paired with a female eagle named Ariela. Renamed Makisig—a Filipino word meaning “handsome” and “strong”—his new name symbolizes grace and power.
“This conservation breeding program is not just about increasing the population of Philippine eagles in captivity, it is about building a sustainable strategy to restore their presence in the wild,” said Edgar Chua, chairman of the PEF. “This partnership with Boeing demonstrates how corporations can play a vital role in safeguarding biodiversity. Their investment goes beyond financial support—it exemplifies a commitment to sustainability, environmental stewardship, and the preservation of national heritage. Together, we can secure a future where the Philippine eagle—an emblem of our nation’s resilience and strength—soars freely in its natural habitat once more.”
To learn more about PEF’s work and donation programs, visit philippineeaglefoundation.org or follow @phileaglefn on Instagram