These points were highlighted by Environment Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo Loyzaga during the recent media launch of the "Save from Extinction" fundraising campaign.
This campaign is a collaborative effort between the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and private sector stakeholders, including SM Supermalls, BDO Unibank, Kultura, the Forest Foundation Philippines, Katala Foundation, Philippine Eagle Foundation, World Wide Fund for Nature – Philippines, D’Aboville Foundation, and the Zoological Society of London – Philippines.
Six most critically endangered species
“We are home to about 52,000 species and about half of those are endemic and about 2,000 of those are ranging from vulnerable to critically endangered,” said Loyzaga. “Many of these species are, in fact, found nowhere else in the world.”
Specifically, Loyzaga identified six of the country’s most critically endangered species, which serve as the core of the Save from Extinction fundraising campaign: the Philippine Eagle, the Tamaraw, the Dugong, the Philippine Cockatoo, Marine Turtles and the Palawan Pangolin.
Broader challenges in conservation
These species, the DENR chief emphasized, represent the broader challenges faced by the country in conservation and highlight the intrinsic connection between their survival and the health of our ecosystems.
“Not only are they significant in their own right, but they are also important to the survival of other species," she explained.
In the case of the Philippine Eagle, for example, only fewer than 400 pairs remain in the wild. For the Tamaraw, which is found only on the island of Mindoro, their current population ranges from 574 to 610 individuals. Egg-laying of our Marine Turtles has decreased by 80 percent while the population of the Palawan Pangolin has also sharply decreased.
Deforestation, unregulated urbanization, and destructive agricultural practices, compounded by climate change, have led to significant habitat loss, pushing the Philippines’ unique flora and fauna to the brink of extinction.
“We need to achieve integrity and balance in these ecosystems,” said Loyzaga.
The power of collective efforts
Believing in the power of collective efforts and actions, SM Supermalls, led by president Steven Tan, along with BDO Unibank and Kultura, is more than willing to take part in this worthy undertaking, seeing this “as a coming together for a shared commitment to protect six iconic Philippine species from extinction.”
“These creatures are not only vital to our ecosystem but are the cornerstone of our national identity,” said Tan. “Future generations deserve to inherit a Philippines where these indigenous animals continue to roam freely.”
To support this cause, the public can purchase t-shirts and tote bags from SM Retail brand Kultura that showcase the six critically endangered species. Featuring beautiful designs, they serve as a reminder of the urgent need to protect our natural heritage.
Additionally, the public can also support the campaign through donation boxes in the Save from Extinction kiosks or donate through BDO ATMs, online banking, and over-the-counter in BDO branches nationwide.
Funds raised through the campaign will directly support conservation efforts led by the World Wide Fund for Nature Philippines, Philippine Eagle Foundation, Zoological Society of London, D’Aboville Foundation, and Katala Foundation – DENR’s trusted, like-minded non-government organization (NGO) partners, ensuring that these animals are given the best chance to survive.
“The road ahead will not be easy. But with the collective efforts of the government, the private sector, local communities, non-government organizations and the general public, we can turn the tide. Let us work together to invest in a future where both wildlife and people can thrive,” said Loyzaga.
Features Reporter
