The Philippines, known for its rich biodiversity, faces a critical conservation crisis as six species are on the verge of extinction. The pangolin, Philippine eagle, tamaraw, Philippine turtle, cockatoo, and dugong are threatened by illegal hunting, poaching, and habitat destruction.
In response, a coalition of organizations—including SM Supermalls, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), BDO, Kultura, World Wide Fund for Nature Philippines (WWF-Philippines), the Philippine Eagle Foundation, the Zoological Society of the Philippines, the Katala Foundation, the D’Aboville Foundation, and the Forest Foundation Philippines—has launched the “Save from Extinction” initiative.
The campaign was formally announced during the 2024 Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction (APMCDRR) and aims to raise awareness, generate funds, and mobilize volunteers to protect these endangered species.
The initiative includes a donation drive, allowing contributions through BDO ATMs nationwide and donation boxes placed at various SM malls. Additionally, Kultura is selling merchandise with a portion of the proceeds going directly to conservation efforts, complemented by an awareness campaign highlighting the endangered species across SM malls and partner organization platforms.
How to help
To participate in the “Save from Extinction” initiative, individuals can donate cash at SM Supermalls or BDO ATMs nationwide. Supporting the cause can also be done by purchasing Kultura merchandise, with proceeds directly benefiting conservation efforts.
Those passionate about raising awareness are encouraged to share information about these endangered species with friends and family to foster a collective effort in wildlife protection.
Call to Action
DENR Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga highlighted the urgency of the situation, expressing pride in the country’s endangered species while calling attention to their plight.
“Every positive step we take, no matter how small, contributes to a greater impact. Together, let’s be the voice for wildlife and work towards a sustainable future where these incredible animals thrive,” said SM Supermalls President Steven Tan.
By supporting the “Save from Extinction” initiative, the public can help ensure the survival of these endangered species and protect the Philippines’ biodiversity for future generations. The time to act is now before it’s too late.
