Tamaraw Guardians: Protecting What Remains, Preserving What Matters

In the quiet, rugged mountains of Mindoro, a species fights for survival—unseen by many, yet vital to the story of our nation’s natural heritage.

The Tamaraw, a dwarf buffalo found nowhere else in the world, once roamed the Philippines in the thousands. In the 1960s, their population was estimated at around 10,000. Today, that number has fallen drastically.

Recent estimates show only 500 to 600 tamaraws remain in the wild, with around 380 individuals recorded in Mt. Iglit-Baco Natural Park, their last stronghold.

This is not just a statistic.
It is a warning.
It is a call to act.

And this is where JCI Manila stepped in—not just to support a cause, but to stand for something that cannot speak for itself.

Through its Tamaraw Guardians Initiative, JCI Manila carried out two meaningful milestones in April 2026—each one rooted in a simple but powerful mission: protect the protectors, and in doing so, protect the species.

From April 13 to 19, during the Annual Tamaraw Population Count at Mt. Iglit-Baco Natural Park, JCI Manila brought more than just supplies—they brought support where it matters most.

In terrain that is steep, isolated, and often unforgiving, the Tamaraw Rangers live and work in conditions few would endure. They walk long distances, face unpredictable weather, and remain stationed in remote areas—all to ensure that the tamaraw continues to survive.

To them, a tent is shelter.
A raincoat is protection.
A flashlight is safety.

JCI Manila turned over essential field equipment including tents, rain gear, uniforms, hammocks, thermal blankets, and lighting tools—simple items that allow rangers to stay longer, move safer, and monitor better in the field.

Because when you support the rangers, you strengthen the mission.
And when you strengthen the mission, you give the tamaraw a fighting chance.

On April 23, 2026, this support was formally institutionalized through a Deed of Donation with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources MIMAROPA.

The agreement was signed by Felix S. Mirasol Jr., Regional Executive Director of DENR MIMAROPA, and Edison Ke, President of JCI Manila—symbolizing a partnership rooted in environmental stewardship and shared responsibility.

Also present from DENR were key conservation leaders:

• Efren Delos Reyes, Officer-in-Charge of the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office and Tamaraw Conservation Program Coordinator
• Gandhi G. Flores, Assistant Regional Director for Management Services
• Imelda Diaz, Assistant Regional Director for Special Concerns
• Personnel from the Conservation and Development Division led by Raymund Mercurio and Ma. Teresita David Jr.

Representing JCI Manila were leaders who chose to act:

• Matt Flores, Executive Vice President
• Joshua Aragon, Executive Treasurer
• Francis Deo, Vice President for Community Affairs
• Rocky Cebrero, Director for Special Projects and Government Affairs
• Jose Lapez, Project Chairman
• Narix Antonio, Project Vice Chairman
• Mike Zafra, Logistics Head
• Julius Llanera, Finance Head

Together, they represent something bigger than an organization.

They represent a choice.

A choice to care.
A choice to act.
A choice to protect.

Because the story of the tamaraw is no longer just about wildlife.

It is about responsibility.

Every ranger supported means stronger protection.
Every effort made means more time.
And right now, time is exactly what the tamaraw needs.

From thousands to hundreds—the margin for survival is narrowing.

But hope remains.

Hope lives in the mountains.
Hope lives in the rangers.
Hope lives in those who choose to act.

And through the Tamaraw Guardians Initiative, JCI Manila proves that even in the face of decline, meaningful action can still create impact.

Because saving the tamaraw is not just about protecting an animal.

It is about preserving a piece of who we are as Filipinos.

And ensuring that future generations will not just hear about the tamaraw—

but will still have a chance to see it.