An Overview of the Philippine Tarsier Foundation in Bohol

The Philippine Tarsier Foundation is one of the most important establishments n Bohol as it caters to one of the most amazing creatures known to the Philippine islands. However, tarsiers are already considered as belonging to the endangered species line. The Philippine Tarsier Foundation is currently based in Tagbilaran City which is the capital of the Bohol region. The foundation was built as a non-stock and non-profit organization duly set up as a private initiative. But because of its inherent advocacy, the Philippine Tarsier Foundation continues to receive great support from the region’s government as well as fellow NGOs. Aside from these, the Philippine Tarsier Foundation is also supported by Philippine agencies such as the Department of Tourism and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

The Philippine Tarsier Foundation was borne out of Jesus Alvarez Jr.’s initiative. He used to be connected with the Philippine Parks and Wildlife Bureau and then served the department as its director. Back then, Alvarez was already at the forefront of wildlife reservation and as he got the chance to visit the Bohol region, he saw the need to protect the tarsier species. Thus, he set up an organization which can mobilize teams to protect the then endangered tarsiers of Bohol. Soon after his visit, a series of program recommendations was already released which Alvarez himself spearheaded.

Eventually, the Philippine Tarsier Foundation was formally registered under the Philippine Securities and Exchange Commission on the 17th of April, 1996. Around this time, the foundation was headed by a variety of personalities belonging to the educational and the religious sector. These individuals were the ones who led campaigns in making sure the public knows about the current situation of the tarsiers in Bohol. These body of stakeholders were also the ones who are regarded with the responsibility of ensuring that the Philippine tarsier will be identified to be protected under the Philippine government laws.

Aside from this, the stakeholders also functioned to identify a proper site wherein the said species can finally be at home within their own sanctuary. Along with these, Alvarez also made it a point that four important activities will be concentrated on and these are organization and management of the community, ecological and biological research on the tarsier, and innovations in ecotourism. In keeping with these agendas, stakeholders mobilized teams and also established partnerships with related agencies. To make sure that appropriate marketing procedures are also being followed, the Philippine Tarsier foundation opened two offices—one in Tagbilaran and another one in Manila.