From left: SM Supermalls Executive Vice President for Marketing Jonjon San Agustin, BDO 1st Vice President and Head of Strategic Marketing Ivan Pua,  Forest Foundation Philippines Executive Director Jose Andres Canivel, World Wide Fund for Nature - Philippines Head of Resource Generation Cloda Urquico, Zoological Society of London - Philippines Country Director Edwina Garchitorena, DENR Secretary Maria Antonia “Toni” Yulo Loyzaga, SM Supermalls Assistant Vice President for Special Events and Tenant Marketing Hanna Carinna Sy, D’Aboville Foundation President Hubert D’Aboville, D’Aboville Foundation Program Director Emmanuel Schutz, Philippine Eagle Foundation Conservation Education and Development Manager Khizia Madrona, and SM Supermalls Vice President for Corporate Marketing Grace Magno.

In a speech by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo Loyzaga during a media event, which focused on the collaboration between DENR and the SM Group in protecting Philippine biodiversity, she began by sharing a phrase from the Department of Health Secretary Ted Herbosa: "Save from extinction, as we save them, we save ourselves... if we don't protect these species, we will also be extinct."

The event opened conversations about the ongoing efforts to save from extinction six umbrella species: The Tamaraw, Cockatoo, Philippine Pangolin, Marine Turtle, Philippine Eagle, and Dugong.

The Tamaraw is a species of buffalo found only on the island of Mindoro. According to DENR Secretary Loyzaga, "From an estimated population of 10,000 upon its discovery in 1896, their current population now ranges from 574 to 610 individuals. It is now confined to a few isolated locations and threatened by illegal hunting."

The Philippine Cockatoo is from the family of parrots. Its population now ranges from 650 to 1,120 individuals. It's facing the threat of extinction due to a long history of illegal trapping and trade and the destruction of lowland forest habitats.

The Palawan (Philippine) Pangolin is a small, unique mammal heavily trafficked for its scales and meat. It faces an uncertain future due to poaching and habitat destruction.

Loyzaga talked about the Philippines being one of the 17 megadiverse countries and a biodiversity hotspot. "Our islands are home to thousands of species. I should say we are home to about 52,000 species and about half of those are endemic and about 2,000 of those are actually ranging from vulnerable to critically endangered. So many of these species are, in fact, found nowhere else in the world... without action, we risk losing not just the species, but the essential services they provide—services that are vital for our own survival and to the web of life."

This season of giving, you can help save wildlife from extinction through DENR's partnership with SM Supermalls, BDO Unibank, Kultura, the Forest Foundation Philippines, Katala Foundation, Philippine Eagle Foundation, World Wide Fund for Nature–Philippines,  D’Aboville Foundation, and the Zoological Society of London–Philippines. This collaboration makes it possible for the public to support the preservation of endangered species in the country through its Save from Extinction fundraising campaign, which aims to drive financial support for six animals on the brink of extinction.

Marine Turtles, including the critically endangered Hawksbill Turtle, have long been threatened by encroachment to their nesting sites, the collection of eggs, and more recently, contamination and pollution. "In Turle Islands Wildlife Sanctuary in Tawi-Tawi alone, egg laying has reportedly decreased by 80% in the 1980s by unregulated egg collection," shared Loyzaga. 

The Philippine Eagle (or "Haring Ibon"), the symbol of our country's natural heritage, is now critically endangered with fewer than 400 pairs remaining in the wild. "Illegal hunting and other types of activities are driving this species to its extinction," Loyzaga explained.

Dugong, a gentle marine mammal related to the manatee, plays an important role in maintaining healthy seagrass ecosystems. Loyzaga expounded, "Due to hunting and loss of these habitats, with only half the original seagrass cover remaining in the country, Dugong populations have dwindled, and they are at risk of being locally extinct." 

It's great to know that it's easy to contribute to this cause. By simply purchasing T-shirts and tote bags from SM Retail brand Kultura—featuring the Philippine Eagle, Pawikan, Tamaraw, Cockatoo, Dugong, and the Philippine Pangolin—you are contributing to a greater cause that impacts the environment, wildlife, and future generations. These shirts carry beautiful designs of the six endangered species, serving as a reminder of the urgent need to protect our natural heritage. 

Another way to join the cause to help save endangered animals in the country from extinction is through donation boxes in the Save From Extinction kiosks or donating through BDO ATMs, online banking, and over-the-counter in BDO branches nationwide. 

Visit the Save From Extinction kiosks at SM Megamall, SM Mall of Asia, SM North EDSA, SM Aura, and SM Makati until December 31, 2024. After December, Save From Extinction merchandise will remain available at select Kultura branches.

Support conservation efforts for the Dugong, Pawikan, Philippine Eagle, Cockatoo, Tamaraw, and Philippine Pangolin by purchasing merchandise from Kultura’s special Save From Extinction collection.

Choose from a selection of canvas tote bags and T-shirts featuring each of the six Philippine animals.

Funds raised through the campaign will directly support conservation efforts led by the World Wide Fund for Nature Philippines, Philippine Eagle Foundation, Zoological Society of London, D’Aboville Foundation, and Katala Foundation—DENR’s trusted non-government organization (NGO) partners, ensuring that these animals are given the best chance to survive. 

For more information about the campaign, visit www.smsupermalls.com/save-from-extinction.

Photos from SM Group