Proclamation No. 273, s. 2002

MALACANANG Manila

BY THE PRESIDET OF THE PHILIPPINES PROCLAMATION NO. 273

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 country’s 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 Mindorefios, 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.

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

ory

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 | its habitats at least during the month of October. All

conservation of the famaraw and people's organiza-

non-government organizations, private companies or corporations, tions, 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.

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, | have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of the Republic of the Philippines to be affixed.

Done in the City of Manila, this 4th day of Ockober-_, in the year of Our Lord, two thousand and two.

By the President:

Cl WL

ALBERTO G. ROMULO Executive Secretary

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