Republic of the Philippines
House of Representatives
Quezon City, Metro Manila

SIXTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House Bill No, 2855

Introduced by Honorable PAULINO SALVADOR “DOY” C. LEACHON

EXPLANATORY NOTE

One of the essentials of a strong state is patriotism, The same is
nurtured by giving reverence to the symbols that we as Filipinos can rally upon
for inspiration, guidance and pride.

For decades, the Philippine carabao was regarded as the country’s
National Land Animal. But this “beast of burden” can also be found in other
countries, particularly in Southeast Asia

The island of Mindoro has been to home to a unique creature. This
“carabao-liked” animal, the Tamaraw smaller in frame but more agile and fast
can only be found in our country.

The Tamaraw can be likened to us Filipinos, who can easily shift from
one terrain to another; resilient and enduring. I believe that this animal can
best represent our country,

Another byproduct of making Tamaraw as the National Land Animal is
the promotion of awareness and support to this threatened wildlife. In the
1990s, the Maya, then our National Bird was replaced by the Philippine Eagle
or popularly known as the “Monkey - eating Eagle.” The move spurred support
to save the then dwindling population of the Philippine Eagle, By this move, it is.
hoped that the Tamaraw will experience the same fate as that of the Philippine

Eagle. -
we

PAULINO SALVADOR C. LEACHON
First District, Ofiental Mindoro



Republic of the Philippines
House of Representatives
Quezon City, Metro Manila

SIXTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

2855

House Bill No.

Introduced by Honorable PAULINO SALVADOR “DOY” C, LEACHON

AN ACT DECLARING THE TAMARAW AS THE NATIONAL LAND ANIMAL OF
THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES

Bot enacted by the Senate and the House of Repmsentatives of the Philippines in Congress aasembed:

SECTION 1. It is the policy of the state to inculcate and develop
patriotism and national pride to each and every Filipino. Using symbols that not
only embodies the best of what the republic can offer but those which are
unique and can only be found in our country.

SECTION 2. Definition of the Tamaraw, - found only in the Philippines,
particularly in the island of Mindoro, the Tamaraw (Bubalus mindorensis) or
Mindoro dwarf buffalo is a small, hoofed mammal and it is widely believed to
be the only endemic Philippine bovine.

SECTION 3. The Tamaraw is hereby declared as the Philippine National
Land Animal. ‘The official adoption of the Tamaraw as the national land animal
shall be promulgated by making November 15 as the National Tamaraw
Commemoration and Awareness Day, coinciding with the foundation days of
Oriental and Occidental Mindoro, Futhermore, efforts to preserve the Tamaraw
shall likewise be a priority for the government given its status one of the
country’s endangered species.

SECTION 4, ‘The Department of Education, the National Commission for
Culture and the Arts, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources
shall promulgate the necessary rules and regulations to carry out the provision
of this Act

SECTION 5. Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, executive orders,
proclamations, rules and regulations, or parts thereof inconsistent herewith are
hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

SECTION 6. Separability Clause. - If any provision of this Act is held
invalid or unconstitutional, the other provisions not affected hereby shall
remain valid and subsisting.


SECTION 7. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after
its publication in at least two (2) national newspapers of general circulation.

Approved.

PAULINO SALVADOR C, LEACHON
First District, Ofiental Mindoro