Toyota, DENR Team Up to Protect Endangered Tamaraw with New Vehicle and Gear
TMP President Masando Hashimoto and DENR Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo Loyzaga presided over the distribution of the Toyota Tamaraw UV and Bantay Tamaraw Kits.
- Mobility Support: Toyota Tamaraw UV donated for ranger patrols.
- Ranger Equipment: PHP 500,000 worth of mountaineering and field gear.
- Conservation Fund: PHP 3 million pledged for Tamaraw protection.
In a move to strengthen the protection of the critically endangered Tamaraw, Toyota Motor Philippines Foundation (TMPF) has provided crucial mobility and equipment aid to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ (DENR) Tamaraw Conservation Program (TCP).
The official turnover, held at the DENR Central Office in Quezon City, saw the handover of a locally produced Toyota Tamaraw Utility Van (UV) and “Bantay Tamaraw Kits” to support the dedicated rangers protecting these unique animals.
Supporting the Bantay Tamaraw Rangers: Essential Aid
The donations are a direct result of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed between the DENR and TMPF, coinciding with the launch of the Next Generation Toyota Tamaraw in December 2024. As the first phase of this collaboration, TMPF delivered a Tamaraw UV long wheelbase variant to aid the “Bantay Tamaraw Rangers” in their patrolling and monitoring efforts within the Mounts Iglit-Baco Natural Park.
DENR Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo Loyzaga
Additionally, DENR-MIMAROPA regional officials and TCP Office representatives received PHP 500,000 worth of Bantay Tamaraw Kits. These kits include essential mountaineering gear, equipment, and tools, designed to equip the rangers who are primarily volunteer Indigenous People (IP) and barangay residents. Currently, the TCP Office has 18 registered rangers who will each receive a complete set of these vital tools.
L-R: TCP Deputy Coordinator Neil Anthony del Mundo, TMP First Vice President Josephine Villanueva, TMPF President Jose Maria Aligada, TMP President Masando Hashimoto, DENR Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo Loyzaga, DENR Undersecretary for Field Operations Atty. Juan Miguel T. Cuna, DENR Undersecretary for Legal and Administration Atty. Ernesto D. Adobo Jr., Assistant Director for Biodiversity Management Bureau Mariglo Rosaida I. Laririt, DENR MIMAROPA Regional Executive Director Felix S. Mirasol Jr., and San Jose, Occidental Mindoro City Environment and Natural Resources Office and Concurrent TCP Coordinator Efren L. Delos Reyes.
Honoring the Rangers: A Tribute to Dedication
In his address, Masando Hashimoto, TMP president, paid tribute to the dedication and bravery of the Tamaraw protectors. “We salute you for risking yourself on the ground to protect our Tamaraws,” he stated. “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 highlighted that this initiative aligns with Toyota’s global Environmental Challenge 2050, specifically the goal of “Establishing a Society in Harmony with Nature.” Under this challenge, TMP is committed to collaborating with the DENR on diverse environmental projects, including reforestation, afforestation, marine life conservation, and biodiversity conservation.
Long-Term Commitment: A Sustainable Future
Beyond the in-kind donations, TMPF has pledged a PHP 3 million conservation fund to support key program initiatives. This fund will be allocated towards Tamaraw habitat monitoring and research, support programs for Barangay and IP volunteers, equipping the Tamaraw Research and Conservation Center, and various Communication, Education, and Public Awareness (CEPA) activities.
TMPF, established 35 years ago, is the corporate foundation of TMP, focusing on four core pillars: Health, Education, Environment, and Community Service. This latest contribution underscores their ongoing commitment to environmental stewardship and the protection of the Philippines’ unique biodiversity.
This partnership between TMPF and DENR is a significant step towards ensuring the survival of the Tamaraw, showcasing how corporate responsibility can lead to tangible conservation outcomes.
