Only in the Philippines can you find some of nature’s most majestic and enthralling animals: the mighty Philippine eagle, the musical Philippine cockatoo, the gentle pawikan, the resilient tamaraw, the curious dugong, and the quiet Philippine pangolin.
More than symbols of our heritage, these creatures are guardians of the ecosystem, playing a crucial role in protecting the country’s ecological balance. However, time is ticking: these critically endangered animals could become extinct soon.
Their future depends on our actions now, and you can do your part to help.
With BDO Unibank, Inc. (BDO) as a major partner, SM and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) have launched the second phase of the Save From Extinction campaign. Started in October 2024, the initiative seeks to raise awareness of the need to protect these endangered animals.
The Save From Extinction campaign aims to raise Php 100M in funds to be matched by another Php 100M from the DENR for the conservation of these six species through non-government organizations, such as the World Wide Fund for Nature Philippines, Philippine Eagle Foundation, Zoological Society of London, D’Aboville Foundation, and Katala Foundation.
BDO is open to accepting donations in ways convenient to you. “With BDO’s expansive network and online channels, we ensure easy access for advocates whether through our digital platforms, any of our over 1,200 branches, or 4,600+ select ATMs nationwide,” said BDO FVP and Head of Branch Experience Shakira Yu at the sidelines of the Save From Extinction event.
Save from extinction, donate through BDO channels. Donate via ATM, branch, or online.
Here’s how you can donate to the Save From Extinction campaign:
● BDO ATM. Insert your debit card and select ‘More’ among the transaction categories. Choose ‘Make a Donation’ and then ‘Save From Extinction.’ Donate any amount.
● BDO branch. Head to a Service Assist Machine and start a transaction. Select Pay Bills, then choose ‘Pay Bills by Cash.’ Search ‘Forest Philippines Foundation’, input your details, and take your queue number. Pay at the counter.
● BDO Online website, BDO Online app, or BDO Pay app. Select ‘Pay Bills’ and search ‘Forest Philippines Foundation’ as the biller. Accomplish the needed fields and enter the amount to be donated.
Wildlife icons. Apart from the donation drive, SM has unveiled a special collection of plushies, clothing, and tote bags, representing the six critically endangered species. Proceeds will support partner NGOs in their conservation efforts.
“Biodiversity loss is no longer a future risk. It is a current crisis. We are losing forests, wetlands, coral reefs, and other critical habitats faster than we can restore them,” said an official from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources. “As the risks are complex, they cannot be addressed just by the government. We all need to work together across sectors and at all levels of our society.”
“Through SM and BDO, we are bringing in new tools and platforms that will make it easier for people to do their share and contribute directly,” noted the DENR official.
Deeply committed to sustainability, BDO and SM continue to transform advocacy into action through their own efforts and by empowering people to get involved. With the lasting impact of collective efforts, they call on the public to protect the endangered wildlife species that have been vital in safeguarding the environment for so long.
