DENR opens Tamaraw Conservation Center in Oriental Mindoro

CALAPAN CITY—The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) inaugurated the Tamaraw Conservation and Research Center (TCRC) on Thursday in Barangay San Roque, Mindoro, to strengthen efforts to protect the critically endangered tamaraw (Bubalus mindorensis).

The center will serve as a hub for scientific research, population monitoring, habitat management, and coordination among government agencies, researchers, local governments and conservation partners under the Tamaraw Conservation Program (TCP).

DENR Undersecretary Analiza Rebuelta-Teh led the inauguration, which was also attended by representatives from partner organizations, including the Mindoro Biodiversity Conservation Foundation, Thriving Together with Tamaraw Project, and the D’Aboville Foundation.

Critically endangered

Construction of the center began in May 2025, funded by the DENR Central Office-Based Fund, with Phase 1 completed in December 2025. Phase 2 will house the permanent office of the TCP, further institutionalizing conservation operations.

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The TCP aims to protect Mindoro’s remaining tamaraw populations through habitat protection, antipoaching measures, scientific monitoring and community engagement. Endemic to Mindoro, the tamaraw remains critically endangered due to habitat loss, hunting and disease.

The inauguration concluded with a ceremonial tree planting, symbolizing collective commitment to environmental stewardship and the continued protection of the tamaraw.