The Philippine Tamaraw, an iconic species of the country's biodiversity and endemic to the Mindoro Island, remains under threat due to human activities, habitat loss, and climate change. Its continued decline highlights the urgent need to strengthen conservation efforts and safeguard the country's natural heritage.
In response, the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD), in partnership with the University of the Philippines Los Banos (UPLB), implemented the project, “Analyzing the Effectiveness of Awareness Interventions for the Protection and Conservation of the Philippine Tamaraw.”
Launched in 2024, the 27-month project evaluated how awareness and action-based interventions influence the attitudes and behaviors of communities in rural and urban areas towards biodiversity conservation. The project aimed to encourage community-led biodiversity protection initiatives and ensure the sustainable management of endangered species, particularly the Philippine Tamaraw.
Findings showed that video-based information, education, and communication (IEC) interventions can meaningfully influence pro-conservation behavior toward Philippine tamaraw. The study underscored that successful conservation depends not only on knowledge, laws, or incentives but also on appealing to human values and social motivations that encourage biodiversity protection.
The project emphasized the need to strengthen inter-agency coordination among the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), local government units (LGUs), the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), and enforcement agencies. It recommended the use of Technical Working Groups (TWG) to harmonize policy implementation, alongside the provision of training, equipment, and logistical support for Tamaraw rangers and conservation personnel. The study likewise highlighted the importance of integrating Tamaraw protection measures into Comprehensive Land Use Plans (CLUPs), Forest Land Use Plans (FLUPs), and local government ordinances.
Project results were presented during its terminal review on March 16, 2026, organized by DOST-PCAARRD’s Socio-Economics Research Division (SERD) under the guidance of Ms. Meliza Abeleda. The review was attended by Dr.Jaimie Kim Arias, Dr. Clarisse Gonzalvo, and Dr. Florencia Palis of UPLB.
One of the highlights of the review was the presentation awareness intervention videos used to estimate communities’ Willingness to Pay (WTP) for tamaraw conservation and assess their effectiveness across rural and urban settings. The project also analyzed existing legal and policy frameworks supporting wildlife protection, including Republic Act (RA) 8484 or the Animal Welfare Act of 1998, RA 8371 or the Indigenous Peoples Right of 1997, RA 9147 or the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act, and RA11038 or the Expanded National Integrated Protected Areas System Act). In addition, Letters of Understanding were presented involving key conservation partners such as the D’Aboville Foundation, Mindoro Biodiversity Conservation Foundation, Inc, Mindoro Adventours, Occidental Mindoro State College (OMSC), further strengthening collaboration among key stakeholders in Tamaraw conservation.
Ultimately, the project’s success will result in the protection and conservation of Philippine tamaraw and biodiversity, in general. In line with its national mandate in the AANR (Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources) sector, DOST-PCAARRD remains steadfast and committed to supporting initiatives and programs focused on the conservation and protection of threatened species and the country’s rich biodiversity.