Policy intent and conservation rationale
- The State declares a policy to conserve and develop patrimony and to protect and advance the right of the people to a balanced and healthful environment in accordance with the rhythm and harmony of nature.
- The proclamation recognizes the Philippine Eagle as the best biological indicator of the quality of forest ecosystems.
- The proclamation recognizes the Philippine Eagle as a flagship species in the conservation of Philippine wildlife.
- The proclamation declares the Philippine Eagle’s ecological, aesthetic, educational, historical, recreational, and scientific value to the Philippine people.
National Bird declaration
- The President hereby proclaims and declares the Philippine Eagle as the National Bird of the Philippines.
- The proclamation identifies the Philippine Eagle scientifically as Pithecophaga jafferyi and treats it as a natural treasure found only in the Philippines.
- The declaration ties the Philippine Eagle to national pride by recognizing its uniqueness, strength, power, and love for freedom as exemplifying the Filipino people.
Coverage: government duties triggered nationwide
- All government offices, agencies, and instrumentalities are enjoined to ensure the proper conservation, protection, preservation, and management of the Philippine Eagle.
- The national character of the duty applies to government entities across the Philippines as part of the proclamation’s directives.
DENR implementation directives
- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is directed to secure the viability of the existing Philippine Eagle population.
- DENR must do all of the following:
- Establish sanctuaries in areas where the Philippine Eagle is known to exist.
- Promote participation of local communities in managing the Philippine Eagle’s habitat through stewardship agreements or by providing access to DENR community-based programs.
- Accelerate and expand field research and monitoring activities on the Philippine Eagle.
- Promote public awareness and education on the Philippine Eagle.
Issuing authority and constitutional exercise
- The proclamation is issued by the President by virtue of the powers vested in me by law.
- The proclamation’s operative commands are framed as binding directives to government entities, especially the DENR, to implement conservation measures for the Philippine Eagle.