Metro Manila’s only resident Philippine eagle has been symbolically recognized as both a senior citizen and a person with disability (PWD) as conservationists marked Philippine Eagle Week 2026.
The Quezon City government awarded an ID card to “Girlie,” a Philippine eagle housed at the Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife Center (NAPWC).
At 45 to 46 years old, she has already outlived the typical lifespan of her species, according to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).
Girlie lives with a permanent wing injury and blindness in her right eye, conditions that prevent her return to the wild. The DENR described her as a living legend of wildlife conservation.
The recognition coincided with Philippine Eagle Week, observed from June 4 to 10 under the theme, “Lahat Kasali, Lahat May Papel: Sama-Sama Para sa Philippine Eagle.”
According to the DENR, the theme highlights that protecting the country’s national bird and biodiversity is a shared responsibility that includes every Filipino.
The agency said Girlie was rescued as a young Philippine eagle and, despite being unable to return to her natural habitat, went on to play a historic role in the conservation of the species.
“She has spent decades inspiring generations of Filipinos, and her story is far from ordinary,” the DENR said.
The agency added that Girlie remains “a powerful symbol of resilience, hope, and the collective effort to save the Philippine Eagle from extinction.”
The DENR also described her as Metro Manila’s only resident Philippine eagle, a “poster bird,” and one of the oldest known Philippine eagles in captivity.
In a separate post, Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte announced that Girlie had officially received her QC ID as part of the Philippine Eagle Week celebration.
Belmonte highlighted the city’s continuing efforts to protect the environment and biodiversity, as well as its partnerships with institutions such as NAPWC and La Mesa Ecopark to preserve green spaces.
The local government also said it continues to increase green and open spaces in the city as part of its environmental initiatives.
As part of the weeklong observance, the DENR invited the public to visit the NAPWC to see Girlie and view art and photography exhibits celebrating the Philippine eagle.
—With John Marwin Elao
