The Philippine Eagle Center in Davao City is home to the Philippine Eagle (Pithecophaga jefferyi), one of the most powerful—and one of the largest—eagles in the world. Its local name is banog, and also known as “Haribon” or “Hari ng Ibon,” which means “Bird King.” In 1995, under Proclamation No. 615, President Fidel V. Ramos named the eagle as the national bird of the Philippines.

Unfortunately, poachers and deforestation pushed this magnificent bird into being critically endangered. The Philippine Eagle now have to be bred in captivity. Their cages are built with more than enough space in order to mimic their natural habitat, which would help them adapt easier when they’re released into the wild.

Although the Eagle’s food preference vary depending on where they’re located (an Eagle located in Luzon will have a different food preference to one that lives in Mindanao), the Philippine Eagle basically eats small mammals, reptiles, and birds. As we trekked through the park, my travel companions and I noticed a number of monkeys in captivity. We supposed that the monkeys are probably part of the Eagle’s diet.

The Philippine Eagle Center also provides a home for other birds, animals, and a number of plant species. Follow the trail and you’d pretty much be able to explore the park on your own. Just make sure to keep reasonable distance from the animals—they are still wild animals after all.

Getting to the Philippine Eagle Center in Malagos from Davao City proper takes about 45 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic. Be prepared to pay a nominal fee of Php50 (adults) to enter the facility—proceeds go to the conservation efforts of the Philippine Eagle Center. Youth (18 years old and below) are charged only Php30. For more details, visit the Philippine Eagle Center website.