Big business has teamed up with the government in combatting the illegal poaching and habitat destruction of several endangered species endemic to the Philippines.
Together, the two sectors jointly launched the “Save from Extinction” program at the sidelines of Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference for Disaster Risk Reduction on Tuesday.
Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga said that this program specifically aims to protect six key species that are now dwindling in numbers.
These are the Pangolin, the Philippine Eagle, the Tamaraw, Marine Turtles, the Cockatoo, and the Dugong.
“We formalize our joint commitments with our league conservation partners in the private sector for the protection of six key species whose habitats are life support systems not just for the species themselves, but the communities that depend on the valuable ecosystem services that these habitats provide,” Yulo-Loyzaga said.
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ (DENR) primary partner in this endeavor is the SM Supermalls, led by its President Steven Tan.
The project will leverage the mall developer’s banking and retail platforms to raise funds for the conservation of the country’s endangered faunas.
For his part, Tan said the six species are vital components of the country’s ecosystem, noting that they are remarkable creatures and not just symbols of the Philippines.
Through the “Save the Extinction” program, SM Supermalls will be initiating donation drives that will fund programs to preserve habitats of the animals.
Donations are also encouraged through BDO banks, automated teller machines, and donation boxes placed in the shopping malls.
Tan added that they will also sell merchandise through Kultura, a Filipino-craft boutique found in SM Malls, in which a portion of proceeds will go directly to conservation initiatives.
The retail executive stressed it is “our responsibility” to ensure that future generations inherit a world rich in biodiversity.
“I urge everyone here to recognize the importance of this campaign. Become aware of the threats these animals face,” he said.
Prior to the MOU signing, Yulo-Loyzaga, along with Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General (SRSG) for Disaster Risk Reduction Kamal Kishore and UNDRR Regional Office for Asia Pacific Chief Marco Toscano Rivalta, formally launched the Philippine Pavilion at the Philippine International Convention Center, showcasing disaster resilience efforts of the DENR and the Office of the Civil Defense (OCD).
