The Palawan Pangolins can look forward to a brighter and more secure 2020 as Mazda Philippines has formally turned over a BT-50 3.2-liter 4X4 Pangolin Edition to the Katala Foundation to support the NGO’s conservation activities for the endangered Palawan Pangolin.
The brand new special series BT-50 will replace the organization’s aging 1996 Mazda Proceed and is slated to see service with the foundation for one year to support its Pangolin monitoring and population checking activities in different locations around Puerto Princesa, Palawan.
The new BT-50 Pangolin Edition, which comes standard with upgraded 17-inch Rota wheels and riveted fender flares, along with a new matte black finish for its front grille, aluminum roof rack and roll bars, was shipped out of the Mazda Center of Excellence facility in Cabuyao, Laguna last December 9, 2020.
It was received by Katala Foundation representatives on December 18, 2020 and will immediately see action as the NGO’s primary conservation activity vehicle starting this Christmas season.
“With all the challenges and threats that the Palawan Pangolin is currently facing, it is only fitting that Mazda Philippines sends over its Christmas gift for the Pangolins this early so that we can help stop the trafficking and contribute to their protection and preservation,” says Mazda Philippines president and CEO, Steven Tan.
“We are committed to support Katala Foundation’s activities as it pursues the conservation status of one of the most endangered species in the world,” Tan adds. “It is our hope that the Katala Foundation’s use of the BT-50 Pangolin Edition will continue to call attention to the plight of this species and help save the country’s endemic wildlife and fragile ecosystem.”
“This pickup truck also represents the same challenges that the Palawan Pangolin faces today,” shares, Indira Lacerna-Widnann, Project Director of Katala Foundation. “We hope that together with the support of Mazda Philippines, we can finally head for the right direction to achieve the conservation status of this species.”
With its special introductory price of Php 1,400,000, the Mazda BT-50 Pangolin Edition is currently available at any of the 19 Mazda showrooms nationwide. It comes equipped with a seven-inch touch screen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone mirroring capability. The black leather steering wheel and black leather seats heighten its elegant functionality.
A 3.2-liter, five-cylinder turbo-diesel engine, which produces 200 PS and 470 Nm of torque, complements its impressive 800 mm water wading capability and 1,086-kilogram cargo capacity to ensure reliable performance throughout its service.
As with all Mazda vehicles, the BT-50 Pangolin Edition is infused with additional value through its free Periodic Maintenance Service plan for five Years, or up to 100,000 kilometers, whichever comes first. Its reliability is further highlighted with Mazda’s 3-Year Vehicle Warranty.