TMP president Masando Hashimoto and DENR Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo Loyzaga during the turnover of Toyota Tamaraw UV and Bantay Tamaraw Kits.
Toyota Motor Philippines Foundation (TMPF), the philanthropic arm of Toyota Motor Philippines, reaffirmed its commitment to environmental preservation by donating a locally manufactured Toyota Tamaraw utility vehicle and “Bantay Tamaraw Kits” to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). These contributions support the Tamaraw Conservation Program (TCP), which aims to protect the critically endangered Tamaraw, a species native to the island of Mindoro.
The ceremonial turnover took place at the DENR Central Office in Diliman, Quezon City. Present at the event were DENR Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo Loyzaga, Toyota Motor Philippines Corporation (TMP) president Masando Hashimoto, and TMPF President Jose Maria Aligada.
This partnership stems from a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed between DENR and TMPF in December 2024, coinciding with the launch of the next-generation Toyota Tamaraw. The MOU formalizes their collaboration on shared environmental goals.
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.
As part of its initial support, TMPF donated a long wheelbase Tamaraw Utility Van (UV), which will be used by the Bantay Tamaraw Rangers for patrolling and monitoring activities. The van will also enhance the mobility of the Tamaraw Conservation Program Office in Mindoro. In addition to the vehicle, TMPF handed over Bantay Tamaraw Kits valued at Php500,000. These kits include mountaineering gear, equipment, and tools designed to support rangers in the rugged and remote areas they patrol.
The Bantay Tamaraw Rangers are composed of Indigenous Peoples (IPs) and local barangay residents who volunteer to protect the Tamaraws and their habitat, primarily located within Mounts Iglit-Baco Natural Park in Occidental and Oriental Mindoro. Currently, 18 registered rangers are part of this initiative and will each receive a full set of gear to assist them in their conservation efforts.
During the ceremony, TMP President Masando Hashimoto commended the dedication of these rangers. “We salute you for risking yourselves on the ground to protect our Tamaraws,” he said. “Now, it is your turn to be protected too – from the harsh mountain conditions and the dangers of spending weeks in the wild.”
Hashimoto also emphasized that this initiative aligns with Toyota’s global Environmental Challenge 2050, particularly the goal of “Establishing a Society in Harmony with Nature.” As part of this commitment, TMP continues to work closely with the DENR on a variety of environmental efforts, including reforestation, afforestation, marine life protection, and biodiversity conservation.
Beyond the donated equipment, TMPF has pledged a Php3-million conservation fund to support key aspects of the Tamaraw Conservation Program. This includes habitat monitoring and research, community support programs for Indigenous and barangay volunteers, upgrades to the Tamaraw Research and Conservation Center, and various educational and public awareness campaigns under the CEPA framework.
Established 35 years ago, TMPF remains dedicated to making a lasting impact across four key pillars: Health, Education, Environment, and Community Service. With this latest initiative, the foundation strengthens its role in preserving the country’s natural heritage for future generations.
