MALACAÑAN PALACE
MANILA
BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE PHILIPPINES
[ Proclamation No. 273, October 14, 2002 ]
DECLARING THE MONTH OF OCTOBER OF EVERY YEAR AS A “SPECIAL MONTH FOR THE CONSERVATION AND PROTECTION OF THE TAMARAW IN MINDORO”
WHEREAS, it is the policy of the State to conserve, protect and develop the countrys wildlife resources, especially the endemic species, for the benefit of the present and future generations;
WHEREAS, the Tamaraw, scientifically known as Bubalus mindorensis, is a wildlife species found only in the Philippines, particularly in the island-provinces of Mindoro, and is therefore a source of national pride;
WHEREAS, the Tamaraw is nationally and internationally recognized as a critically endangered animal that faces a high risk of extinction;
WHEREAS, there is a need to instill into the minds of the Filipino people, especially the Mindoreños, the importance of the Tamaraw as a natural heritage and as a biological resource that offers immense ecological, educational, recreational, historical, and scientific values, other than its economic uses as food and alternative source of income;
WHEREAS, the continuous survival of the Tamaraw largely depends on the unified and concerted efforts of the Mindoro populace.1aшphi1
NOW, THEREFORE, I, GLORIA MACAPAGAL-ARROYO, President of the Philippines, by virtue of the powers vested in me by law, do hereby declare the month of October of every year as a “Special Month for the Conservation and Protection of the Tamaraw (Bubalus mindorensis)”.
Pursuant thereto, all government offices, agencies and instrumentalities in the whole Island of Mindoro are hereby urged to implement activities geared toward the conservation of the Tamaraw and its habitats at least during the month of October. All non-government organizations, private companies or corporations, peoples organizations, academic and scientific institutions, and all other interest groups, within or outside Mindoro are enjoined to support and participate in the yearly celebration of the Special Month for the Tamaraw.
The Provincial Governments of Oriental and Occidental Mindoro are hereby directed to lead in the implementation of the provisions of this Proclamation, while the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, through its Tamaraw Conservation Program is designated as coordinator of the yearly celebration.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of Republic of the Philippines to be affixed.
DONE in the City of Manila, this 14th day of October, in the year of Our Lord, Two Thousand and Two.
(Sgd.) GLORIA MACAPAGAL-ARROYO
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