The Philippine Eagle or Haring Ibon (Pithecophaga jefferyi) is a Critically Endangered species. An estimated 800 are left in the Philippines, the sole country in which they can be found.
Philippine Eagle or Haring Ibon Week takes place every year from June 4 to 10, marking the start of Philippine Environment Month in June.
This year, the Haribon Foundation joins Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) – Biodiversity Management Bureau (BMB) on its 18th Philippine Eagle Week Celebration kick off on June 4, at Enchanted Kingdom, Sta. Rosa, Laguna. On June 6-8, the Foundation will join DENR – Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) and will display a Haring Ibon photo wall at Robinsons Galleria, Ortigas with the exhibits’ theme, “Go Wild for Life. Combat Biodiversity Loss.â€
In addition, social media and PR campaign informing the general public on Haring Ibon ecology, as well as conservation actions on Mt. Mingan where the Haribon Foundation works for their protection will also be released.
A hundred and twenty years ago this June, the Haring Ibon was first discovered in 1896 by English naturalist and explorer John Whitehead in Samar. Today, conservation efforts and studies continue more than a century later. Haribon, named after the national bird, is working with communities surrounding Mt. Mingan in the provinces of Nueva Ecija and Aurora for the protection of Haring Ibon living in their midst.
Not only is the Haring Ibon our national bird, but it is also a symbol for the health of the forests where they reside. To protect the Haring Ibon, we must protect our forests.
To learn more, visit Haribon’s official website: www.haribon.org.ph.