𝗧𝗔𝗠𝗔𝗥𝗔𝗪 𝗦𝗬𝗠𝗣𝗢𝗦𝗜𝗨𝗠 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱: 𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗥𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗦𝗧𝗥𝗢𝗡𝗚 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗣𝗘𝗢𝗣𝗟𝗘, 𝗪𝗜𝗟𝗗𝗟𝗜𝗙𝗘, 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗧𝗔𝗠𝗔𝗥𝗔𝗪𝗦

The first ever Tamaraw Symposium successfully took place on October 17, 2025, at the Calapan City Convention Center, bringing together conservation partners from the academe, Department of Environment and Natural Resources and other government agencies, local government units, Indigenous Peoples and local communities, artists, students, and advocates, all united by one goal: to better understand and learn more about how the tamaraw and other wildlife and the indigenous peoples sharing living space  can thrive together through a collaborative management approach. 🌿

The event featured insightful presentations describing conservation management experiences and initiatives in four tamaraw landscapes (MIBNP, SADIK, Inner Mindoro, and MCWS) followed by a panel discussion. The event also explored research and internship opportunities for students and young conservationists. It likewise launched a crowdfunding campaign for IP volunteers who play a vital role in tamaraw conservation.

The event featured a Taobuid cultural performance, which added a meaningful cultural dimension to the program. For the first time performed before a public audience, the Taobuid shared traditional songs about birds and environmental protection, along with 𝘈𝘯𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘒𝘢𝘨𝘪𝘯𝘴𝘢𝘮𝘢 𝘢𝘺 𝘚𝘦𝘯𝘢 𝘞𝘢𝘯, a serenade sung by Taobuid men for a woman. Their performance was accompanied by traditional instruments such as the 𝘶𝘥𝘭𝘰𝘯𝘨 (string instrument), 𝘶𝘥𝘺𝘢𝘱𝘪 (flute-like wind instrument), 𝘣𝘢𝘬𝘪𝘵𝘢𝘸 (guitar-like string instrument), and 𝘵𝘶𝘭𝘢𝘭𝘪 (nose flute), offering the audience a rare and beautiful glimpse into the rich and living culture of the Taobuid people.

Participants also enjoyed the interactive 𝘉𝘶𝘭𝘢𝘶𝘴𝘢𝘯 𝘢𝘵 𝘓𝘶𝘣𝘭𝘶𝘣𝘢𝘯 game, a creative twist on the classic Snakes and Ladders that features localized themes inspired by the Tamaraw. In this version, players take on the role of a tamaraw journeying across diverse landscapes, with each game tile artistically representing real tamaraw landscapes. Attendees also explored creative exhibit booths and took part in an inspiring art auction showcasing works by local artists, with proceeds benefiting Indigenous volunteers dedicated to tamaraw protection. 

Another highlight of the symposium was the screening of the film 𝘚𝘶𝘸𝘢𝘨 𝘰 𝘚𝘶𝘬𝘰, sponsored by the 𝗧𝗼𝘆𝗼𝘁𝗮 𝗠𝗼𝘁𝗼𝗿 𝗣𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗽𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀 (𝗧𝗠𝗣) 𝗙𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻.

This meaningful gathering is part of Thriving Together with Tamaraw, a consortium led by Re:wild, in partnership with the D'Aboville Foundation and Demo Farm, Inc. (DAF) and the Mindoro Biodiversity Conservation Foundation, Inc. (MBCFI), with support from the Biodiversity Challenge Funds (BCF) through UK Aid.

The symposium was made possible through collaboration with the DENR- Tamaraw Conservation Program and the Gintong Tamaraw Artist Association, and proudly sponsored by the Toyota Motor Philippines Foundation.

Together, we continue to build hope and partnerships for a future where both people and tamaraws can truly thrive. 🌏✨

Photos from MBCFI