ToyotaPH Lends a Helping Hand to Tamaraw Protectors in Mindoro


From left: TMP President Masando Hashimoto and DENR Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo Loyzaga during the turnover of Toyota Tamaraw UV and Bantay Tamaraw Kits

Toyota is stepping up for wildlife protection once again! This time, Toyota Motor Philippines Foundation (TMPF) handed over a locally built Toyota Tamaraw Utility Van and essential gear to support the brave forest rangers protecting the endangered Tamaraw in Mindoro.

In a ceremony at the DENR Central Office in Quezon City, TMPF sealed its commitment to conservation by officially turning over the donations to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), with leaders from both sides present—including DENR Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo Loyzaga and TMP President Masando Hashimoto.

This effort is part of a long-term partnership between TMPF and the DENR that kicked off in December 2024, during the launch of the Next Generation Toyota Tamaraw.

The Tamaraw UV is headed straight to Mindoro, where it will help transport rangers and support daily operations of the Tamaraw Conservation Program (TCP). TMPF also provided Php500,000 worth of “Bantay Tamaraw Kits” filled with outdoor essentials—from mountaineering gear to field tools—making the rangers’ mission a little easier and a lot safer.

The “Bantay Tamaraw Rangers” are local heroes—volunteers from Indigenous communities and nearby barangays—who work tirelessly to guard the natural habitat of the Tamaraw, a critically endangered species found only in the Philippines. Right now, 18 rangers are on the ground in the rugged Mounts Iglit-Baco Natural Park in Mindoro.

TMP President Hashimoto had a heartfelt message for them: “We salute you for risking your lives to protect our Tamaraws. Now it’s your turn to be protected, too.”

This project is part of Toyota’s global Environmental Challenge 2050, with a goal to create a world in harmony with nature. TMP has long worked with the DENR on sustainability initiatives like tree planting, marine conservation, and now, Tamaraw preservation.

To keep the mission going strong, TMPF has also pledged an additional Php3 million for future efforts, including habitat monitoring, ranger support, research, and educational outreach.

From left: 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.

For 35 years, TMPF has stayed true to its mission of making a positive impact through Health, Education, Environment, and Community Service—and this Tamaraw project is another powerful step in that journey.


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