You can help save the Philippine Pangolin by buying a Mazda BT-50
Since 2020, Mazda Philippines has been helping out the Palawan-based organization Katala Foundation when President Steven Tan found out about the non-government organization and that they were using an “old Mazda truck (a B-series pickup)” to help patrol the area of Palawan in order to protect the Philippine Pangolin (manis culionensis), one of the country’s most endangered local species, from trafficking.
That year, Mazda Philippines introduced the BT-50 4×4 Pangolin Edition, which added a whole bunch of additional accessories that differentiated it from the standard model, but more importantly, raised awareness for the Philippine Pangolin back then. The automaker also loaned one 2020 BT-50 3.2 4×4 for them to use for a year.
Then in 2022, the automaker introduced the second interaction of the BT-50 Pangolin Edition II to the public, which was based on the third-generation model, but further refined the concept of the Pangolin Edition II by making it more sleek and streamlined. A second unit was also turned over last February 18, 2024, as well, which was part of Mazda’s commitment to helping out the Katala Foundation.
With the introduction of the facelifted variant of the BT-50, Mazda Philippines has made the Pangolin nameplate part of the top-of-the-line variant, featuring a slightly more rugged appearance and complete spec sheet.
But more importantly, the automaker has taken its commitment to the Philippine Pangolin to another level by starting a year-long project called the “1,500 Pangolin Project”. This was announced at an intimate dinner with the Managing Director of Katala Foundation, Dr. Sabine Schoppe.
The deal? For one year starting May 2025, Mazda Philippines will donate Php 1,500 from the sale of any new BT-50 to the Katala Foundation.
There’s no cost implication for the customer or price increase (well, apart from the upcoming TRAIN Law exemption removal), meaning that you will be doing a good deed every time you purchase a new BT-50.
“The 1,500 Pangolin Project is an initiative that puts into motion Mazda’s dedication to championing sustainability beyond driving by protecting what matters in the world around us,” says Steven Tan. “This project is equally aligned with the vision of Mazda’s Sustainable Zoom-Zoom 2030 and the mission of the new Mazda BT-50 toward supporting environmental responsibility.”
Photos from Julian Panlilio, Sam Surla, Mazda Philippines, and Katala Foundation
