Face Masks Mandatory at Philippine Eagle Center Amid Mpox

THE Philippine Eagle Foundation (PEF) has announced that wearing face masks is now mandatory at the Philippine Eagle Center (PEC) to protect the endangered eagles amid rising monkeypox (Mpox) cases.

Irick Francisco, communications officer at PEC, shared that an advisory was issued last Friday enforcing the new face mask policy. He added that the breeding team will meet soon to discuss additional safety measures to further protect the Philippine Eagles housed at the center.

“The public health emergency now and of course naa gihapon atoang Avian Influenza or bird flu at the center now wala tay flight demonstrations because one of our safety nets (The ongoing public health emergency, along with the current Avian Influenza (bird flu) situation, means we’ve temporarily suspended flight demonstrations as a safety precaution),” Francisco said during the Kapehan sa Dabaw forum on June 2, 2025, at SM City Davao.

With Mpox cases rising, Francisco urged visitors to strictly follow the mask mandate to protect both the eagles and guests, especially with increased foot traffic expected during the city’s Duaw Davao and Kadayawan Festival celebrations.

The PEC currently shelters about 21 Philippine Eagles, along with various raptors and other animals. Another 10 eagles are housed at the National Bird Breeding Sanctuary in Toril.

The foundation is also celebrating Philippine Eagle Week 2025 from June 4 to 10, honoring the country’s national bird. The week-long event, based on Presidential Proclamation No. 79, series of 1999, aims to raise awareness about the ecological and cultural importance of the Philippine Eagle.

This year’s celebration has three parts: the Luzon leg at SM City Cabanatuan on June 5; the official kickoff at PEC Malagos on June 4; and the final leg at SM City Davao from June 9 to 11. Activities include seminars, film screenings, children’s workshops, and exhibits. RGP