Toyota PH provides mobility and equipment assistance to Tamaraw protectors

A brand-new locally made Tamaraw car and “Bantay Tamaraw Kits” are donated to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ (DENR) Tamaraw Conservation Program (TCP) by the Toyota Motor Philippines Foundation (TMPF), the social and humanitarian arm of the nation’s top automaker.

DENR Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo Loyzaga, Toyota Motor Philippines Corporation (TMP) President Masando Hashimoto, and TMPF President Jose Maria Aligada led the ceremonial transition, which took place at the DENR Central Office in Diliman, Quezon City.

In conjunction with the Next Generation Toyota Tamaraw’s December 2024 launch, the DENR and TMPF signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), which includes the donations.

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 Php500,000-worth of Bantay Tamaraw Kits, consisting of mountaineering gears, 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.

To support important program initiatives, such as 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, TMPF is also committed to providing a Php3-million conservation fund in addition to in-kind donations.

TMP’s business foundation, TMPF, was established 35 years ago with an emphasis on the four (4) main pillars of community service, education, health, and the environment.