(declared by Pres. Fidel V. Ramos through Proclamation No. 615 s. 1995)

Previously called the “Monkey-eating Eagle” (the change was made through Proclamation No. 1732 s. 1978 declared by Pres. Ferdinand E. Marcos), owing to its diet consisting of monkeys, the Philippine Eagle (Pithecophaga jefferyi) is an endangered species unique to the Philippines. The adult has a wingspan of about two meters and can dive to its prey at speeds in excess of 100 kilometers per hour. With its diminishing habitat in primary forests, the population has been severely affected such that it is on the verge of extinction. The breeding of the eagle is now being done artificially at the Philippine Eagle Center in Malagos, Baguio District,
Davao City. See their official web site: http://www.philippineeagle.org

The Philippine Eagle is protected under the law by Republic Act 9147, otherwise known as “An Act Providing for the Conservation and Protection of Wildlife Resources and their Habitats, Appropriating Funds Thereof, and for Other Purposes“

In 1983, the Central Bank of the Philippines issued a 50-centavo coin with the Philippine Eagle image at the back of it.