Toyota Motor Philippines Foundation (TMPF), the social and humanitarian arm of the country’s leading automotive company, said it donated a locally-produced Tamaraw vehicle and “Bantay Tamaraw Kits” to support the Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ (DENR) Tamaraw Conservation Program (TCP).
The donation is part of a collaboration contained in a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the DENR and TMPF.
As the first phase of support, TMPF provided a Tamaraw Utility Van (UV) long wheelbase variant to aid the “Bantay Tamaraw Rangers” in patrolling and monitoring efforts as well as supporting mobility operations for the TCP Office on Mindoro Island.
The DENR-MIMAROPA regional officials and TCP representatives also received P500,000 worth of Bantay Tamaraw Kits, including mountaineering gear and tools, on behalf of the rangers.
The Bantay Tamaraw Rangers, volunteers from Indigenous Peoples (IP) and barangay communities, are dedicated to protecting the critically endangered Tamaraw in Mounts Iglit-Baco Natural Park, spanning Occidental and Oriental Mindoro. The TCP Office has 18 registered rangers, each set to receive a full set of equipment.
“We salute you for risking your lives on the ground to protect our Tamaraws. Now, it is your turn to be protected – from the harsh mountain conditions and dangers of trekking and camping for weeks in the wild,” said TMP president Masando Hashimoto.
Hashimoto said the initiative forms part of Toyota’s global Environmental Challenge 2050, which focuses on creating “a Society in Harmony with Nature.”
TMPF committed to a P3-million conservation fund to support programs like Tamaraw habitat monitoring, research and initiatives for indigenous people (IP) volunteers as well as the Tamaraw Research and Conservation Center and public awareness campaigns.
