PLDT-SMART Foundation advance ecotourism
PLDT and Smart’s social outreach arm, PLDT-Smart Foundation (PSF) rebuilds more disaster-stricken communities across the Philippines, helping raise tourism opportunities.
PSF recently turned over boats to Palina Greenbelt Ecopark, an ecotourism site located at Palina River in Roxas City, Capiz. Managed by the Palina River Development Association, a group of local fisherfolk, the eco-park is famous among tourists for its river cruise and fresh spread of seafood.
Newly reconstructed ecotourism boats were turned over by PSF to advance ecotourism in the Palina community, and provide additional livelihood opportunities for its residents, including women, to support their families.
Members of Tulong Kapatid, the consortium of MVP-led organizations, Alagang Kapatid Foundation, Inc. (AKFI) and One Meralco Foundation (OMF) also joined PSF in helping the community of Palina continue its recovery. Super typhoon Yolanda, which made its landfall in November 2013, was one of the strongest tropical cyclones ever recorded, and destroyed 95% of Capiz according to government statistics.
PSF also provided 100 life vests and pocket WiFi devices with load cards for Palina tourism workers and tourists to keep them connected while enjoying their experience at the eco-park. OMF also turned over solar lamps to Palina fisherfolk.
More than 200 fisherfolk depend on the Palina River for their livelihood, and the severe impact of Yolanda (international name: Haiyan) also destroyed their primary source of income. One of the locals, Salvacion Dela Cruz, shared their experience during this disaster.
Capiz is only one of the many provinces where PSF and the rest of Tulong Kapatid are helping rebuild lives and communities through sustainable livelihood opportunities. This is part of the MVP Group’s wider commitment to supporting Filipinos in need, especially in times of disasters. This also contributes to attaining the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly UNSDG #8: Decent Work and Economic Growth.
MPIC, Cordova LGU partner for Mangrove Restoration and Sustainable Tourism
In a collaborative effort aimed at restoring the Cordova Mangrove Propagation and Information Center, Metro Pacific Investments Foundation (MPIF), and the Municipality of Cordova signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) at the Cordova Municipal Hall.
This partnership emphasizes the dedication of MPIF and the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Cordova in reviving the vital ecological hub damaged by Typhoon Odette. As the only Mangrove site in the Visayas, the agreement not only focuses on restoring the Mangrove Propagation and Information Center but also envisions its transformation into a sustainable tourism destination for the entire municipality.
The signing ceremony will also mark the relaunch of the Mangrove Eco-Guides Program, ensuring the daily upkeep of the center and providing informative tours for visitors keen on exploring the mangrove park and its surroundings. As part of their shared dedication to safeguarding coastal biodiversity and promoting sustainable practices, MPIF and the LGU of Cordova have agreed to continue the Mangrove Eco-Guides and the existing Mangrove Propagation and Information Center.
MPIF spearheads this conservation endeavor through various avenues of support. To enhance the capabilities of the Mangrove Eco-Guides, MPIF initiates tailored enhancement training. Simultaneously, MPIF provides essential material support, including uniforms, office equipment, and other necessary resources, ensuring the Eco-Guides are well-equipped for their pivotal role in the restoration and maintenance of the ecological center.
MPIF pledges a 50% share in the monthly allowance for four Mangrove Eco-Guides over a three-year period. Additionally, MPIF allocates a substantial Four Million Five Hundred Thousand Pesos (PhP4,500,000.00) to the Municipality of Cordova, earmarked specifically for the repair and rehabilitation of the Mangrove Propagation and Information Center, which faced damage from Typhoon Odette.
Local, int’l experts to discuss competition law, amendments
Eight years into its enforcement, the Philippine Competition Law (RA 10667) has yet to realize its full potential to penalize cartels and promote business competition, the bedrock of consumer protection, and help accelerate investments and job creation.
International and local experts will discuss what needs to be done to further strengthen the law and provide the needed support to the Philippine Competition Commission in its investigation and enforcement mandate in a two-day seminar at the UP Law Center on December 5 and 6 starting at 830AM.
Attendees include: PCC chair Michael Aguinaldo; Professor William Kovacic of George Washington University, former Commissioner and Chair of the United States Federal Trade Commission; Professors Cuyvers and Ben Van Rompuy, EU competition law experts from Leiden University, the Netherlands; Dr. Andrea Gideon, University of Liverpool; Rachel Burgess, visiting professor at the University of Southern Queensland, Australia.
Those interested may participate in this hybrid event online through Zoom Webinar ID: 910 9477 0096
Password: CCLP2023
Newport World Resorts receives recognition at ACES Awards
The country’s most multifaceted integrated resort adds sustainability advocate to its long list of accolades with the latest recognition from Asia’s most prestigious leadership and sustainability awards. The Green Initiative Award specifically recognizes outstanding achievements in promoting sustainable use of natural resources and innovative solutions for environmental conservation.
Members of the I LOVE Earth (ILE) Green Council, Newport World Resorts Director for Risk Management Maria Ryna Inocencio (with trophy) and Sheraton Manila Hotel GM Anna Vergara (second from left) flew to Malaysia to attend the prestigious awarding ceremony held on November 24, organized by the MORS Group.
Newport World Resorts’ ILE is an all-encompassing sustainability initiative that harmonizes the programs of its hotels, entertainment, retail, dining, and leisure facilities to create greater impact and promote stronger support. Organized around the objectives of transforming business operations to be more sustainable, while raising awareness on sustainability, ILE has also earned Newport World Resorts an EartCheck Silver-Certified Status, the first and only integrated resort in the country with the coveted distinction in the world of sustainable destinations and tourism.
