Final Examination Requirement- Feature Article

Jinky Tapaya BS Psychology 1-B

1
Biological and Physical Sciences Department, College of Arts and Sciences, Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State
University, Agoo, La Union, Philippines 2504
* Corresponding Author E-mail: jinkymontano.1@gmail.com

SAVING THE PHILIPPINE EAGLE AS A WAY OF SAVING THE NATION’S

FREEDOM
Do you know that the
Philippine Eagle is an endemic
species? The Philippine Eagle
(Pithecophaga jefferyi), also called as
monkey-eating eagle is one of the
biggest and strongest birds in the world
which has a height of one meter and
has a wingspan of about two meters. It
is inhabited by mountain forests,
mostly in steep and rugged mountains.
Their diet varies according to the
availability of prey on different islands.
This species has been listed as an
endangered species and only 400
breeding pairs remain on four islands,
due to poaching and deforestation by
the International Union for
Conservation of Nature (IUCN). It can
only be found on four of the Philippine
islands: Luzon, Leyte, Samar, and
Mindanao. Most of the population is
in Mindanao.
I chose the Philippine eagle
because it is worth showing off and
furthermore the Philippine eagle was
declared a national bird in 1995 by
President Fidel V. Ramos through proclamation no. https://parody.fandom.com/wiki/Philippine_Eagle
614. This bird is chosen as a national
emblem because it reflects the courage, uniqueness, passion for independence and power of the
Filipino people. Moreover, Philippine eagle has environmental significance. Like humans, they
are at the pinnacle of the food chain. It controls the population of flying lemurs, bats, and snakes,
including other animals that often-become pests of agricultural property, such as monkeys and
yes, mice. Eagle extinction can contribute to the overcrowding of its prey, upsetting the balance
of nature (Molinyawe et al 1999). Therefore, it is necessary to have the comprehensive
conservation program for the Philippine eagle. It is important to protect the Philippine eagle to
conserve endemic wildlife, making it an umbrella species for the Philippines. This means that the
conservation of the Philippine eagles and their habitat automatically protects all other plants and
animals that live there as well. So, it is worth saving this species because the Philippine eagle has
been declared a protected bird under Republic Act No. 6147. This law provides for the
conservation of the eagle and allocates funds for this purpose (Molinyawe et al. 1999).
In fact, the Philippine eagle was also known as the monkey-eating eagle because it
hunted monkeys. Although, contrary to common opinion, the Philippine eagle does not eat
monkeys. According to recent research, a wide range of species are hunted, commonly rats, bats,
snakes, and pigs. Another thing is that the Philippine eagle is known to be very loyal. When they
have been partnered with a partner, they chose to stay as a couple for the remainder of their lives.
So now that you are aware that the Philippine eagle is threatened with extinction, are you
one of those who want to protect our national bird? This uncommon and magnificent bird species
can be found everywhere else except in the Philippines. Losing animals to extinction would also
mean losing a significant biological heritage to the earth. Let us therefore empower ourselves to
be part of the conservation of the Philippine Eagles and we better defend our eagle, particularly
in the wild.
 PRESERVING WALING-WALING FOR THE BEAUTY OF OUR NATURE
Waling-Waling or
Vanda Sanderiana is
known as the "Queen of
the Philippine Flowers"
and the indigenous people
of Bagobo are revered as
the Diwata or fairy. It is
considered the most
attractive and common
species of orchid in the
Philippines. Waling-waling
is a flower in the orchid
family and is renowned for
its large, colorful hybrids.
It is eye-catching, very
attractive, and offers a
stunning view when in full
bloom. The epiphyte,
which grows on the https://hometech101360.wordpress.com/tag/orchids/

branches of tall trees, is widespread in the tropical forests of Mindanao in the provinces of
Cotabato, Davao, Sultan Kudarat, Surigao and Zamboanga. This flower spreads in the tropical
forest of Mount Apo and its surroundings. However, this lovely orchid, discovered in 1882,
faced the danger of extinction, mainly due to the degradation of its natural habitat and the
overcrowding of local inhabitants. In addition, the waling-waling is considered an endangered
plant species according to Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered
Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, an international treaty between governments that aims to
ensure that the survival of wild plants and animals is not endangered by their trade.
This endemic species deserves to be selected for conservation by our country. Since
Waling-waling can best reflect the magnificence and peculiarity of Philippine biodiversity,
because it is deemed to be the best and most exquisite of all the orchid species in the world.
Waling-waling must be preserved because this plant is rare in our existence and it is sometimes
utilized in hybridization. This is very beneficial in our environment as beautification in our
surroundings, especially in tropical forest. Therefore, it deserves to be considered the Queen of
all orchids due to its inherent beauty and easy to grow, mainly when the comes early, the plants
bloom early. Indeed, in 2013, the Philippine Senate passed a bill declaring Waling-waling as the
Philippine national flower along with sampaguita and the Secretary of the Environment and
National Resources charged with enacting rules and regulations that will protect, preserve, and
spread the Waling-waling orchid along with the Sampaguita.
The additional fact, more than 1,000 species of orchids flourish in the Philippines.
Known for their exotic beauty, they are. The best orchid variety in the Philippines is known as
Waling-waling. They typically live in the Mount Apo tropical forest in Davao and Zamboanga
del Sur. This species is the most sought-after flower in Mindanao, owing to its colorful and large
range. Waling-waling is also very common in Hawaii, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Thailand,
making it one of the most famous orchids in the world. The great popularity of Waling-waling
among orchid lovers around the world makes it a potential source of mass exports, according to
the bill, and thus could contribute to Filipino’s economic growth.
To sum it all up, we must be aware that this beautiful species is one of the endangered
species in our country which means that this is the best time or interest to propagate this species
in a laboratory in a protected environment. Hence, these future Waling-waling breeders will
need this species repeatedly. It is necessary to have the best laboratory for the conservation of
orchids. So, let us do something about it instead of just complaining about it so that we can all
see and appreciate this amazing species in the future.
 REFERENCES:
Molinyawe, N.M., J.L. de Leon, M.M.P. Eduarte, and L.S. Rizaldo. 1999. The Philippine Eagle. The
Philippine Wildlife Series No. 8/1999, Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Protected
Areas and Wildlife Bureau, Quezon City, Philippines

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