Help protect the Philippine Pangolin with each Mazda BT-50 purchase
Mazda and Katala Foundation strengthen wildlife protection efforts
Published Jun 17, 2025 11:44 am
At A Glance
- Starting May 2025, Mazda will donate ₱1,500 from every new unit of the Mazda BT-50 sold to the Katala Foundation, a Palawan-based organization working to preserve the critically endangered Philippine Pangolin (Manis culionensis).
Mazda Philippines has deepened its involvement in environmental conservation with the launch of the 1,500 Pangolin Project, a year-long initiative that ties vehicle sales to real-world wildlife protection efforts. Starting May 2025, Mazda will donate ₱1,500 from every new unit of the Mazda BT-50 sold to the Katala Foundation, a Palawan-based organization working to preserve the critically endangered Philippine Pangolin (Manis culionensis).
The partnership between Mazda Philippines and the Katala Foundation began in 2020, rooted in a shared dedication to biodiversity and sustainable practices. The foundation has long championed efforts to rebuild the pangolin's native habitat, mount anti-poaching patrols, and raise public awareness of the animal's endangered status. The collaboration inspired the introduction of the BT-50 Pangolin Edition, followed by Mazda's donation of a BT-50 unit to support fieldwork and conservation activities in Palawan.
From left: Katala Foundation Pangolin Team program director, Dr. Sabine Schoppe, and Mazda Philippines President, Steven Tan, and Dr. Sabine Schoppe.
Dr. Sabine Schoppe, a leading figure in Philippine pangolin conservation and a driving force behind the Katala Foundation's mission, welcomed the continued partnership. “This partnership with Mazda gives us hope, not just for the future of the Philippine Pangolin, but for how meaningful and collective action can make a lasting impact on conservation,” she said.
The 1,500 Pangolin Project underscores Mazda’s vision of sustainability that extends beyond mobility. The 1,500 Pangolin Project is an initiative that puts into motion Mazda’s dedication in championing for sustainability beyond driving by protecting what matters in the world around us, said Steven Tan, President of Mazda Philippines. This project is equally aligned with the vision of Mazda’s Sustainable Zoom-Zoom 2030 and the mission of the new Mazda BT-50 toward supporting environmental responsibility.
Coinciding with the launch of the campaign is the latest version of the Mazda BT-50. Refreshed for 2025, the updated pickup adopts a more aggressive exterior that evolves the brand's KODO design philosophy. Inside, the BT-50 gains significant improvements, including a revamped infotainment system, a new 360-degree camera with integrated digital video recording, and upgraded cabin materials and finishes.
Powering the BT-50 is a 3.0-liter turbo diesel engine mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission, offering a balance of performance and fuel efficiency. Standard features include Hill Launch Assist across all variants, while 4x4 models also benefit from Rough Terrain Mode for improved off-road traction.