There’s something about the homeowners of Seafront Residences, a beachfront community in Barangay Calubcub II, San Juan, Batangas. For one, they are sea turtle conservationists.
In January, several residents joined the town’s so-called Pawikan Patrollers and Bantay Dagat volunteers in releasing 25 rescued sea turtle hatchlings. The gesture signified their support to the local community’s concerted efforts in ensuring the survival of the endangered species.
The homeowners, together with employees of Seafront Residences developer Aboitiz Land, also joined in the “Coastal Cleanup Amihan” that saw officials and volunteers from the Municipal Environmental and Natural Resources Offices of San Juan, Batangas and Sariaya Quezon, Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), Barangay Calubcub and the local police force clean up the beach of Calubcub II last year. The collective effort removed some 750 kilograms of plastic waste, including bottles, wrappers, caps, sachets and Styrofoam, from the sands.
The company vowed to lead preservation and restoration efforts to keep the San Juan coast pristine and welcoming for families and community members.
In February, officials of Aboitiz Land, Aboitiz Foundation, the corporate social responsibility arm of the Aboitiz Group, and the PCG Auxiliary signed a memorandum of agreement for a wider collaboration. Under the pact, both parties will undertake programs and project on youth development, sports, health, education, livelihood, community relations, environmental protection and disaster management. The parties also committed to leveraging their respective strengths, resources and expertise to ensure the successful and precise implementation of joint programs, projects and activities.
Reliable partner
When the Coast Guard District Southern Tagalog (CGDST) celebrated its 41st anniversary in Barangay Santa Clara, Batangas on 19 March, officials of the station honored stakeholders and supporters, including Aboitiz Land and Aboitiz Foundation, for their dedicated efforts toward community development and environmental sustainability.
A Certificate of Recognition was presented to Aboitiz Land Assistant Manager Joseph Rellora for the company’s invaluable support to CGDST. It emphasized their crucial roles in strengthening initiatives for environmental conservation, livelihood programs, and disaster response.
“At Aboitiz Land, we strive to promote biodiversity and responsible environmental practices. We understand the significance of organizations in sustaining Philippine ecosystems and livelihoods,” according to Aboitiz Land senior assistant vice president of legal and corporate affairs Atty. Irene Mischele Sta. Ana.
Aboitiz Group chief reputation and sustainability officer and Aboitiz Foundation president Ginggay Hontiveros-Malvar added, “At Aboitiz Foundation, we stand steadfast in our dedication to fostering community development and environmental sustainability. This commitment serves as a catalyst, igniting our determination to forge ahead in making a meaningful difference in our communities and for the environment.”
As partners, more collaboration dedicated to community development and conservation can be expected from CGDST, Aboitiz Land and Aboitiz Foundation.