Toyota Motor Philippines Foundation (TMPF) has strengthened its commitment to biodiversity conservation by donating a brand-new locally made Tamaraw Utility Van and ₱ 500,000 worth of “Bantay Tamaraw Kits” to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) for its Tamaraw Conservation Program. The turnover ceremony at the DENR Central Office also announced a ₱3-million conservation fund to support the critical work of Indigenous Bantay Tamaraw Rangers protecting the endangered species in Mounts Iglit-Baco Natural Park in Mindoro.
The ceremonial turnover, held at the DENR Central Office in Diliman, Quezon City, was led by DENR Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo Loyzaga, Toyota Motor Philippines Corporation (TMP) President Masando Hashimoto, and TMPF President Jose Maria Aligada.
The donations are part of a collaboration with a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the DENR and TMPF, signed synchronously with the release of the Next Generation Toyota Tamaraw in December 2024.
As the first tranche of support, TMPF handed over a Tamaraw Utility Van (UV) long wheelbase variant to aid in the patrolling and monitoring by “Bantay Tamaraw Rangers” as well as in the mobility operations of the TCP Office on the island of Mindoro. In addition, DENR-MIMAROPA regional officials and TCP Office representatives received Php 500,000 worth of Bantay Tamaraw Kits, consisting of mountaineering gear, equipment, and tools on behalf of the Bantay Tamaraw Rangers.
The Bantay Tamaraw Rangers are volunteer Indigenous People (IP) and barangay residents dedicated in protecting the critically endangered Tamaraw (Bubalus mindorensis) and their known habitats in Mounts Iglit-Baco Natural Park, which spans across Occidental Mindoro and Oriental Mindoro. To date, the TCP Office has eighteen (18) registered rangers who will soon receive a complete set of equipment each.
In his message, TMP president Masando Hashimoto paid tribute to Tamaraw protectors, saying, “We salute you for risking yourself on the ground to protect our Tamaraws.”
“Now, it is your turn to be protected too – from the harsh mountain conditions and various dangers of trekking and camping for weeks in the wilds.”
Hashimoto also mentioned that the initiative is part of the global Toyota Environmental Challenge 2050, particularly in “Establishing a Society in Harmony with Nature.” Under this challenge, TMP collaborates with the DENR on various environmental initiatives, including reforestation, afforestation, marine life conservation, and, recently, biodiversity conservation.
On top of in-kind donations, TMPF is also committed to provide a Php3-million conservation fund to support key program initiatives, including Tamaraw habitat monitoring and research, support programs for Barangay and Indigenous People (IP) volunteers, equipping the Tamaraw Research and Conservation Center, and various Communication, Education, and Public Awareness (CEPA) activities.
Founded 35 years ago, TMPF is the corporate foundation of TMP with a focus on four (4) core pillars of Health, Education, Environment, and Community Service.
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