IT should not be all profit. That should be an automatic battle cry for all well-meaning businessmen in the world.
Thus, it is almost a must for every capitalist to apportion some of the earnings to projects outside of company borders.
Corporate social responsibility, they call it.
Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) takes the lead once more in this aspect with its recent foray into pitching in a ‘modest amount’ for the propagation of the tamaraw, that iconic water buffalo found only in the Philippines.
FORMALIZED. Mark Luigi Bautista reports that TMP, through its social and humanitarian arm, Toyota Motor Philippines Foundation (TMP Foundation), has recently donated P3 million to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ (DENR) Tamaraw Conservation Program (TCP) to support the continued conservation and protection of the critically endangered tamaraw (Bubalus mindorensis) on Mindoro Island.
The partnership was formalized through the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement between TMP Foundation, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Tamaraw Conservation Program Office, and the Mindoro Biodiversity Conservation Foundation Inc. during the 2026 Tamaraw Fiesta in Calintaan, Occidental Mindoro, held in celebration of the annual ‘Special Month for the Conservation and Protection of Tamaraw in Mindoro.’
The P3-million conservation fund will support key TCP initiatives, including habitat monitoring and scientific research, capacity-building programs for Barangay and Indigenous Peoples (IP) volunteers, Communication, Education, and Public Awareness activities and the enhancement of the Tamaraw Research and Conservation Center.
SPECIES PROTECTION. Luigi says that a significant portion of the donation will be used to equip the facility with research and monitoring equipment that will strengthen conservation efforts and support the long-term protection of the species.
The donation builds on the partnership established through a Memorandum of Understanding signed by the DENR and TMP Foundation, coinciding with the launch of the Next Generation Tamaraw vehicle in December 2024.
‘Since then, TMP has supported the TCP through various initiatives aimed at strengthening on-the-ground conservation efforts,’ says Luigi, a tested chronicler of crucial TMP events under the wings of Jade Sison and Mixie Flavier.
THREE-MILLIONTH. In 2025 alone, Luigi said that TMP donated a Tamaraw utility vehicle to support TCP’s mobility requirements and field operations on Mindoro Island, along with P500,000 worth of ‘Bantay Tamaraw’ kits to equip rangers in conducting patrol, monitoring and protection activities in known tamaraw habitats.
‘As the namesake of Toyota’s iconic utility vehicle, the tamaraw holds a special significance for the company,’ says Luigi. ‘As TMP approaches its three-millionth cumulative vehicle sales milestone, its continued support for tamaraw conservation reflects the company’s commitment to giving back to society and communities that have supported its growth over the past 38 years now.’
Indeed, the partnership underscores Toyota’s broader commitment under the Toyota Environmental Challenge 2050 (TEC 2050), particularly to the challenge of ‘Establishing a Society in Harmony with Nature’ through biodiversity conservation and nature positive initiatives.
FROM 380 TO 425. The support comes as the TCP reports continued gains in population recovery. Says Luigi: ‘The 2026 Annual Tamaraw Population Count records 425 Tamaraws in Mounts Iglit-Baco Natural Park, up from 380 in 2025.
The DENR attributes the increase to sustained conservation measures, including habitat protection, scientific monitoring, law enforcement and community participation.’ As conservation efforts continue to deliver positive results, TMP and TMP Foundation remain committed to supporting initiatives that contribute to the protection of the tamaraw.
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IMPETUS. Such commendable efforts by TMP should serve as impetus for others to emulate, a trigger to crossing lines if only to prove that it’s not all profit that makes one’s barometer for success.
Caring for others, thinking outside the box and looking into what makes the heart grow fonder should be as natural as breathing for all capitalists all across the globe.
Being kind and generous isn’t hard to do, fellas. Ask TMP.
PEE STOP We are now into the second ‘Ber’ (OctoBER) of the four ‘Ber’ months of the year comprising the Christmas season-ending, of course, in DecemBER. In short, it’s the season of buying (from September to December), giving the industry all the elbow room to come up with the usual perks arising from promotional bonanzas. Bring it on! Make car buffs doubly happy!…Allana Faith Rufo reports that the fourth and final Weekend Race of Toyota GAZOO RACING is set Oct. 24 at Clark in Angeles, Pampanga, with free admission to the public, as usual. Elijah Marcial, TMP senior vice president for vehicle operations, will reveal an impactful news on the event’s future during the Awards Night. Abangan!