The Department of Tourism (DOT) has recently contributed P5 million for the construction of the new visitor lounge of the Philippine Eagle Center in Davao City, a move which is expected to boost tourist arrivals in the center and help increase awareness on the country’s endangered species.

The support was presented to the Philippine Eagle Foundation (PEF), a non-stock, non-profit organization, which is at the forefront of the campaign for the protection and conservation of the Philippine monkey-eating eagle (Pithecopaga jefferyi). The foundation also operates the center.

“The Philippine Eagle Center is one of the top attractions in Davao. The DOT’s sponsorship will strategically help improve the city as a tourist destination and allow the PEF attract more visitors and raise more revenues to help protect the endangered Philippine eagle,” said Tourism Secretary Ace Durano during his recent visit to the establishment.

Philippine Eagle Center Manager Elsa Delima reported that the old visitor lounge was already dilapidated and termite-infested. It was also deemed a fire hazard, limiting the number of visitors that can be attended to by the tour guides.

The new hall will house basic amenities meant to make the center more tourist-friendly, such as a dining area, kitchen and a gift souvenir shop. It will also hold an executive office and a scenic entrance area. The facility is expected to be operational by April 22, 2008 in time for this year’s celebration of Earth Day.

“The lounge will pave the way for better visitor accommodation and at the same time, will help the PEF reach a larger audience to promote wildlife conservation,” Delima said, adding that the center can now better accommodate its visitors, especially students on educational trips.

Estimates by the Philippine Eagle Foundation show that there are only 500 pairs of Philippine eagles left, mostly in the islands of Luzon, Samar and Leyte and various parts of Mindanao, including Davao.

The eight-hectare conservation facility currently nurses 36 Philippine eagles. It has successfully bred 22 eagles since January 1992.

As much as 100,000 tourists, mostly students and foreign nationals, visit the Philippine Eagle Center yearly.

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