Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Roy Cimatu is backing the proposal of a bill which seeks to conserve the critically endangered Tamaraw (Bubalus mindorensis) in the country.
The expression of support of Cimatu came following calls for the passage of House Bill 8299 or the proposed Tamaraw Conservation Management Act in response to the pressing need to conserve the remaining population of the said species, which is endemic in Mindoro Island.
"We hope that the House of Representatives and the Senate will keep this bill in mind in choosing priorities to ensure that one of our country’s biodiversity treasures is conserved and protected," Cimatu said as the country also observes the National Tamaraw Month in October.
Cimatu added that he "thoroughly supports the proposed crafting of a Department Administrative Order for the Tamaraw Conservation Program while the said bill is not yet a law."
Recently, the Biodiversity Management Bureau (BMB) of the DENR conducted the "Tamaraw Talks" webinar to highlight the conservation and protection efforts and activities implemented by the agency through its Tamaraw Conservation Program.
In his speech, DENR-BMB Director Datu Tungko Saikol urged the public "to pursue and enhance our advocacy for Tamaraw conservation to allow future generations to appreciate and marvel at one of the country’s treasures and pride."