Metro Pacific Investments Corp. (MPIC) is publicly known as a large conglomerate involved in utilities and key businesses such as telecommunications, tollways, water, power distribution, medical care, mining, and leisure development, among others.
But unknown to many, the diverse business group is deeply involved in corporate social responsibility programs that has far-reaching impacts which help maintain marine diversity and promote ecotourism for the past 15 years.
The initiative dubbed “Shore It Up!” was born in dive resort town of Mabini, Batangas as MPIC’s humble contribution to the annual International Coastal Cleanup, and as a response to Metro Manila’s inundation due to typhoon Ondoy in 2009.
As an innovator, MPIC took the typical cleanup to the next level by enlisting divers to retrieve underwater trash, and conducting community-based educational and livelihood activities to help reduce solid wastes at the source.
For more than a decade, these activities served as the template of Shore It Up! which will later blossom into a comprehensive and multi-awarded biodiversity program, both here and abroad.
This winning formula was replicated in key coastal areas, such as Alaminos City, Pangasinan; Del Carmen in Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte; Medina, Misamis Oriental; Cordova, Cebu; and Subic Bay.
Countless coastal and underwater cleanups later, it would metamorphose into more long-lasting, impactful and sustainable programs in partnership with local governments and community stakeholders.
Over the past 15 years, SIU spread its wings in 12 locations, mobilizing some 87,000 volunteers, 2,600 runners and 1,034 scuba divers, and has reached out to 464 organizations and local government units, 180 families, and 2,800 school children under the Junior Environmental Scouts.
It has also trained and supported 10 eco-guides and 36 marine guardians to help boost local tourism and protect the coastal and aquatic resources.
A notable program component is the Mangrove Propagation and Information Center which was put up in Alaminos, Siargao, and Cordova, and serves as a reception area for tourists before heading out to the Hundred Islands in Alaminos, the Mangrove Forest and Sugba Lagoon in Siargao, or viewing the panoramic Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway across the Mactan Channel.
It is also supporting two Ramsar Wetlands of International Importance: Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park in Cagayancillo, Palawan, a Unesco World Heritage Site and the country’s largest marine protected area, and the Las Piñas – Parañaque Wetland Park in Manila Bay.
SIU has also been supporting Del Carmen town, home to 4,871 hectares of contiguous mangrove forest, to help them attain membership in the prestigious Ramsar Convention.
With its vast coverage, SIU would emerge as the flagship of the Metro Pacific Investments Foundation (MPIF), which is part of Gabay Kalikasan, one of the business group’s advocacies for a Sustainable Philippines, which is also aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
“Our archipelago is teeming with world-renowned hubs of biodiversity and requires a strong support system from the private sector when it comes to preservation and conservation. We at the Foundation want to ensure that we play our part in futureproofing what we have and help mitigate climate change,” says MPIF president Melody del Rosario.
To celebrate its milestone year, the Foundation recently held a multisectoral forum which was participated in by Senate Committee Chair on Environment and Natural Resources Sen. Cynthia Villar, Bohol congressman Rep. Edgar Chatto, Department of Environment and Natural Resources secretary Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga, and Department of Tourism undersecretary Shereen Gail Yu-Pamintuan.
Representing the private sector was Metro Pacific Investments Corp. chief finance risk and sustainabilTthe University of the Philippines, through its president Atty. Angelo Jimenez and Marine Science Institute director Dr. Laura David, signed a memorandum of agreement in addressing marine environmental concerns and promoting good governance for effective management of the country’s marine ecosystems and natural resources.
Titled “Enlarging Our Blue Footprint for Philippine Marine Biodiversity Conservation”, another highlight of the event was an in-depth discussion on collaborative efforts in safeguarding Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, facilitated by Protected Area Superintendent Angelique Songco.
MPIF has extended financial and logistical support for the physical upkeep of the ranger station, as well as regular marine patrols to prevent illegal entries into the marine park. Situated in the Sulu Sea off mainland Palawan, Tubbataha is a 96,828-hectare award-winning biodiversity-rich marine protected area, a Unesco World Heritage Site, and a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance.
To tap the academic community, the Foundation also signed a memorandum of agreement with the University of the Philippines and the UP Marine Science Institute to jointly address marine environmental concerns and promote good governance for effective management of the country’s natural resources and marine ecosystems.
With its extensive reach and people-centered philosophy, Metro Pacific is definitely making a dent in shoring up marine biodiversity and ecotourism towards a greener future.
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