Rangers guarding the critically endangered Tamaraws of Mindoro now have life insurance valid for a year, its conservation program coordinator said Friday, thanking a local official for heeding the call of advocacy groups.
Neil Anthony del Mundo, program coordinator of the Tamaraw Conservation Program (TCP), on Facebook thanked Occidental Mindoro Vice Governor Peter de Jesus Alfaro for the much-needed benefit, that was called for by Biofin Philippines and UNDP Philippines in their #TogetherForTamaraw campaign.
As contractual workers, Del Mundo said Tamaraw Rangers don't have life insurance.
In 2019, the Philippines was named the deadliest country in the world for environmental defenders, which include rangers looking after the majestic beasts that are endemic to Mindoro.
Faced with the constant threat of lowlanders trying to poach them for meat, Tamaraw Rangers are regularly exposed to harm, as they have no authority to bear guns for self-defense, nor are they equipped with hazard pay to complement their monthly salaries of at least P6,000 pesos.
Currently, advocates are calling for the passage of the "Tamaraw Conservation Management Act”, which seeks to institutionalize the TCP as an office under the Department of Natural Resources.
If enacted, it is poised to "change everything for Tamaraw conservation," del Mundo earlier said, noting for one, the bill can solve their problem of job and life security especially for the rangers.
MORE ON THE PLIGHT OF THE MINDORO TAMARAW AND ITS RANGERS:
Why the Tamaraw’s Story Shouldn’t End with Kali's Death
Kali the Tamaraw's Death Keeps Fight Against Extinction Alive
First in 34 Years: Tamaraw Presence Detected in Mindoro Town
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