By Matthew Go
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) MIMAROPA Region, along with the provincial government of Occidental Mindoro, the municipal government of Sablayan, and key conservation partners, held the culminating activity for the annual Tamaraw Month on October 26, 2024, at the Sablayan Astrodome.
The event, held in accordance with Presidential Proclamation No. 273 of 2002, celebrated October as the “Special Month for the Conservation and Protection of the Tamaraw in Mindoro,” under the theme “Tamaraw at Katutubo: Pamana at Likas Yaman, Patuloy na Pangalagaan.” The program also aligned with Indigenous Peoples Month and marked the 27th anniversary of the Indigenous Peoples Rights Act (IPRA).
The ceremony highlighted 45 years of Tamaraw conservation efforts, initiated by the Presidential Committee for the Conservation of the Tamaraw (PCCT) in 1979, which evolved into the Tamaraw Conservation Program (TCP) in 1987. The TCP, under DENR, collaborates with local government units (LGUs), NGOs, and Indigenous communities to address challenges in Tamaraw conservation.
The event featured the signing of agreements to strengthen conservation efforts, including the construction of a Tamaraw Ranger Station in Amnay with support from the D’Aboville Foundation and the expansion of Tamaraw habitat in collaboration with the Taobuid indigenous community within the Mts. Iglit-Baco Natural Park.
Fifty students trained through the KALI Camp took their oath as ENR Youth Ambassadors, and 62 volunteers from the Katutubong Bantay Tamaraw and Barangay Bantay Tamaraw programs were deputized as Wildlife Enforcement Officers and Environment and Natural Resources Officers. Supplies such as rice, rain gear, and communication tools were donated by local governments and NGOs to support these volunteers. Far Eastern University (FEU) also announced 10 new scholarship grants for children of Tamaraw rangers and Indigenous communities.
Ninety-five qualified beneficiaries received land titles through the DENR’s Handog Titulo Program, promoting sustainable development alongside conservation. Partner LGUs, Indigenous Peoples’ Organizations, NGOs, and academic institutions were recognized for their contributions to Tamaraw conservation, with four Tamaraw Rangers honored for over 25 years of service.
A digital unveiling of the upcoming Tamaraw Conservation and Research Center marked a milestone for future research and conservation efforts. Officials also led a solidarity painting of a Tamaraw mural by L.I.K.H.A., a local artists’ association.
The event concluded with the formal turnover of hosting duties for the 2025 Tamaraw Month from LGU Sablayan to LGU Calintaan, continuing efforts to celebrate and protect the Tamaraw species.