Republic of the Philippines.
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.
Quezon City

SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House Bill No. 4606

Introduced by Rep. 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 ca 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.

ATTY. PAULIN SALVADOR “DOY” C, LEACHON


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House Bil No. 4606

Introduced by Rep. Doy C. Leachon

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

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in
Congress assembled.

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 (BubalusMindorensis) 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.
Furthermore, efforts to preserve the Tamaraw shall likewise be a priority for the
government given its status one of the country’s endangered species.

Section 3. Penal Clause, - \n addition to existing applicable penal laws, any
employer or establishment as defined in the preceding section, who refuses or fails to
register and/or enroll their employees to the compulsory coverage of the National
Health Insurance Program (NHIP) of the PhilHealth, after due notice and hearing, shall
not be allowed issuance of business license or permit by the concerned Local
Government Unit (LGU) which has territorial jurisdiction over the place where the
employer or establishment was situated.


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, rules and
regulations or parts thereof which are inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed,
amended or modified accordingly.

Section 6.Separability Clause.- If any provision of this Act is declared invalid, the
remainder ofany provision hereof not affected thereby shall remain in force and effect.

Section 7, Effectivity. This act shall take effect fifteen (15) days following its
publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.

Approved,