The collaboration, formalized through a memorandum of understanding, seeks to safeguard the critically endangered tamaraw and its habitat.
The tamaraw, or Bubalus mindorensis, is a dwarf buffalo species endemic to Mindoro Island in the Philippines. With only 500-600 individuals remaining in the wild as of 2024, it is listed as critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.
Under the agreement, TMPF will donate a brand-new Tamaraw vehicle and P500,000 worth of “Bantay Tamaraw” kits, equipping rangers with essential gear for regular patrols across known habitats.
Additionally, TMPF will allocate P3 million to support conservation efforts, including habitat monitoring, indigenous peoples and barangay volunteer programs, and enhancing the Tamaraw Research and Conservation Center.
The signing ceremony was led by Environment Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo Loyzaga, TMP president Masando Hashimoto, and TMPF president Jose Maria Aligada on the sidelines of the Next Generation Tamaraw grand public launch in Makati City last Friday, Dec. 6, 2024.
Established in 1979 under Executive Order No. 544, the Tamaraw Conservation Program focuses on mitigating threats to the tamaraw’s survival.
This collaboration between TMPF and DENR represents a significant boost to efforts aimed at preventing the species’ extinction while promoting awareness of its critical status, the company said.
