3 Philippine cities emerge as national finalists in WWF’s One Planet City Challenge

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The Philippine cities of Batangas, Muntinlupa, and Santa Rosa have been selected as national finalists in this year’s World Wide Fund for Nature’s (WWF) One Planet City Challenge (OPCC). Over 250 cities from around the globe, including 13 from the Philippines, joined the OPCC’s 2020 leg.

Originally known as the Earth Hour Challenge, WWF kicked off the OPCC in 2011 as a friendly competition that allows participating cities to share best practices in climate mitigation and develop adaptation plans anchored in their crucial role towards building a sustainable and climate-safe future. With cities accounting for 70% of carbon emissions globally and generating 80% of the total GDP, their political and economic power are considered instrumental in the transition to a more stable climate.

With cities in 53 countries participating, approximately 66% of the global population is represented in this year’s run.

WWF-Philippines Executive Director Jose Angelito Palma expressed his appreciation for the Philippine cities that participated in this call for transformational governance.

The award-winning e-jeepneys of Muntinlupa City bested other entries from all over the world in an international transportation summit. Photograph © City Information Office of Muntinlupa

“In these trying times, being business-as-usual in the way we do things is no more sufficient to secure a safe and sustainable future. I would like to acknowledge the cities that participated in this initiative for pursuing innovative ways towards sustainable and healthy cities for the current and future generations.”

Meanwhile, Atty. Angela Ibay, Head of the Climate and Energy Program of WWF-Philippines, noted the role of citizens in building a climate-safe future. 

“Even as cities around the world increasingly advance climate actions, we cannot underestimate how citizen engagement and participation play integral roles in the implementation of these actions, and their active participation help shapes how sustainable and resilient cities can be in years to come.m"

Batangas City is the capital of the province of Batangas. As the largest city in the region, it serves as the industrial port of CALABARZON. Photograph © City Information Office of Batangas City

Santa Rosa City is a first-class city located in Laguna which houses several industrial parks, theme parks, and housing developments. Photograph © City Information Office of Santa Rosa

The three Philippine finalists, along with those from other countries, have also qualified to participate in the OPCC’s We Love Cities campaign, which aims to bridge better communication between city officials and the citizens they represent on climate and sustainability issues.

All finalists are set for evaluation by the OPCC jury - a jury composed of urban sustainability experts from across the globe. A national winner per country, as well as a global winner, will be recognized and awarded in a ceremony set to take place in mid-2020. For more information and updates, log on to http://panda.org/opcc. 

WWF-Philippines reinforces battle against unnecessary plastic with “No Plastics in Nature” initiative

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In line with the 1st anniversary of World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Philippines’ #AyokoNgPlastik movement, the leading environmental organization launches the ‘No Plastics in Nature’Initiative, a larger approach that seeks to stop the flow of plastic waste in nature by 2030.

The problem with plastics has been escalating for decades, where the Philippines has been identified as the world’s third largest contributor of plastics in the ocean. Plastic pollution has always been a huge issue in the Philippines with the continuous generation of plastic wastes and poor waste management. 

In 2016, global plastic production has reached 396 million metric tons, which translates to 53 kilograms of plastic per person on the planet. A third of this number has already become land or marine pollution and with a projected increase of 40% by 2030, an additional 104 million metric tons will leak into nature in a business as usual scenario. This poses harmful effects not only to our environment, but to human health as well. It is estimated that on average, people could be ingesting approximately 5 grams of plastic every week.

Recognizing the threat brought about by plastic pollution, WWF-Philippines rolled out the #AyokoNgPlastik movementlast year in hopes of addressing the issue by creating awareness among Filipinos to reduce dependence on single-use plastics such as straws, bags, bottles, and cups, among others.

This year, WWF-Philippines reinforces their campaign against unnecessary plastics by adopting the ‘No Plastics in Nature’Initiative, a global WWF approach that intends to stop the flow of plastics entering nature by 2030 through elimination of unnecessary plastics, doubling reuse, recycling, and recovery,and ensuring remaining plastic is sourced responsibly. 

“With the ‘No Plastics in Nature’ Initiative, we are hoping to make the Philippines free of unnecessary plastic wastes, but we cannot do this alone, we need the help of everyone. Every individual, company, and institution should be mindful of the amount of plastics they produce and use daily, and take action accordingly, to make this goal a reality,'' said Joel Palma, WWF-Philippines President and CEO.

The initiative is a holistic approach consisting of four main strategies such as lobbying for a global legally binding agreement on plastic pollution, Plastic Smart Cities movement for cities and tourism destinations, Plastic Action (PACT) forbusinesses, and #AyokoNgPlastik for the general public.

The WWF network is continually pushing for a new international legally binding agreement to comprehensively address marine plastic pollution throughout the full life cycle from both production to disposal and recovery back into a circular loop. This is the network’s response to the agreement made at the recent 14th Conference of the Parties to the Basel Convention (COP 14) in Geneva, which stresses that the developing world could no longer be a plastic dumping ground and that any trade would require the prior consent from the receiving country. 

Plastic Smart Cities, on the other hand, is a global movement of cities and tourism destinations that are fighting plastic pollution through improved collection, recycling, reduction of key waste plastics, and landfill management. Currently, the Philippines is working in six cities including Davao City, Digos City, Tagum City, Manila City, Parañaque City, Island Garden City of Samal,and four municipalities including Lupon, San Isidro, Sta. Cruz, and Donsol. 

Meanwhile, WWF-Philippines was able to partner with at least 20 businesses for the sustainable journey movement where programs to reduce or eliminate single-use plastics in their supply chain system, workplace, and business operations were implemented. This program resulted in the prevention of over 1.5 million pieces of plastic waste from leaking into nature. Currently, WWF-Philippines is adopting the Plastic Action (PACT), which is a regional initiative on engaging businesses to take on a circular economy. 

Finally, WWF-Philippines’ successful #AyokoNgPlastikmovement will continue to educate the general public about plastic pollution, its impacts, and how people can help in addressing it through the Facebook community and the recently launched AyokoNgPlastik microsite. Members of the movement have also demonstrated their commitment to this cause by signing the petition to support the call for a new legally binding international agreement on plastic pollution.

“The problem on plastic pollution will only continue to worsen if we don’t do anything about it. We are determined to address this issue to ensure that there will be no more plastic pollution in nature by 2030, and we hope to achieve that through the ‘No Plastics in Nature’ Initiative,” Palma reiterated.

WWF-Philippine’s ‘No Plastics in Nature’ Initiative was launched on the 5th of September at Shakey’s Quezon Avenue. Shakey’s Philippines is one of the newest partners and supporters of the #AyokoNgPlastik movement. 

To know more about WWF-Philippines and the ‘No Plastics in Nature’ Initiative, visit www.ayokongplastik.org or follow /WWF.Philippines on Facebook. To engage in conversations on plastics, join facebook.com/groups/ayokongplastik. 

700,000 Filipinos using GCash Forest to help save watershed

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More than 700,000 GCash users have joined the movement to plant trees through GCash Forest, an important carbon tracking feature of GCash, to help save the watershed that supplies water to Metro Manila. 

Ney Villaseñor, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer at Mynt, which runs the country’s leading mobile wallet, said 756,370 people have signed up to collect green energy through GCash Forest as of August 19. That translates to almost 400,000 people using the new feature every month since its launch on June 25. 

GCash Forest is a personal carbon account that tracks how much emission people have avoided by living more consciously. “Green” activities—such as walking, bringing eco-bags and own utensils, going cashless, reducing paper use—earn users energy points. When they have enough points, they get to plant a virtual tree in GCash Forest, which GCash will match with a real, native tree planted at the Ipo watershed. 

“GCash Forest is the easiest way to help the environment; you don’t even have to go out of the city or to make time outside of work/school to plant a tree. You simply need to make daily choices that will lessen your carbon footprint, such as going cashless when you send money, buy load or pay bills, or walking instead of taking your car. GCash will turn these actions into reforestation efforts,” Villaseñor said. 

GCash, in partnership with WWF Philippines, has adopted 300 hectares for rehabilitation and reforestation inside the Ipo watershed. WWF will monitor and report the growth of trees sponsored by GCash for three years, which is usually how long it takes to see any changes in a reforestation or rehabilitation site. 

The 7,236-ha Ipo watershed, which spans the provinces of Bulacan and Rizal, is part of the Angat-Umiray-Ipo watershed system that supplies 98% of Metro Manila’s water. It has been declared a protected area by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources but forest cover in the watershed is now only at 40%, a drastic drop from 85% several years ago.

“Planting a tree not only helps with carbon reduction but also results in water security and biodiversity conservation. Every decision we make has an impact, whether positive or negative. In helping GCash users to adopt a more environment-conscious lifestyle, we are raising a generation of green heroes,” Villaseñor said.  

Act now, act fast: WWF PH, GCash call for participation of Filipinos in fight for PH forests

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Over the last couple of years, the Philippines has been experiencing an alarming decrease in forest area. Due to rampant illegal logging and the lack of funds to better secure protected areas, the countries forests are going nude. 

Each year, based on data from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), around 47,000 hectares of forest cover is lost, which is equivalent to approximately 1.2 million hectares of deforested land in a hundred years. This translates to about 24 percent in deforestation rate, one of the fastest in the world. 

These figures may sound too statistical, but they are a constant and stark reminder for Filipinos of the state of Philippine forests. This is also a wakeup call for everyone that while the government pursues efforts to create a greener country, a great amount of work is still up ahead, according to the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF).

“Without strategic measures to combat this, Philippine forests will cease to exist in the next two decades -- leaving the next generation without clean air to breath, fresh and lush sceneries to enjoy, and endemic flora and fauna will only exist in picture books,” WWF Philippines President and CEO Joel Palma said. 

The severity of the situation calls for a pursuit of collaboration among all stakeholders -- the state, organizations, companies, and even the common Filipino. For many, participating in drives for the environment may seem to measly an idea due to the gravity of work to be done, but even the slightest act can create a chain of events that could help the country bring its forests back to full life. 

“We need to act now, and we need to act fast. We are at a critical time that loudly calls for action and the participation of everyone. Our fight for a greener Philippines is not won by one group alone. It needs to be a collaborative effort,” Palma added. 

GCash, operated by Globe Fintech Innovations Inc. (Mynt), recognizes the power of its platform to create a huge impact for the environment. Placing itself at the forefront of developing financial sustainability mechanisms that aim to strengthen forest conservation efforts within its growing user base of 20 million, GCash recently introduced GCash for Good. 

Acting as its corporate social responsibility arm, GCash for Good has collaborated with World Wildlife Fund for Nature, Forest Foundation Philippines, Bantay Kalikasan, as well as Haribon Foundation to pursue their shared vision of establishing a greener Philippines.

“Through these collaborations with non-government organizations, international organizations, and various merchants, we look forward to fulfilling our vision of greening the Philippines through our platform, as this initiative shall create a significant impact not only to the environment but also in the daily lives of each Filipino,” Mynt President Anthony Thomas said.

With GCash for Good, Filipinos from all walks of life, especially the youth sector, now have the power to create a positive change for the environment and stay socially relevant. Through GCash for Good, GCash has made it possible for registered GCash users to conveniently send donations to their chosen organization. 

The platform enables Filipinos to reach out further while also creating better opportunities for the society, as it eliminates the hassle of having to endure long processes of donating through banks and institutions and allows people to focus more on what truly matters to them.

Various research has shown that there is a growing trend in crowdfunding as well as micro-donations. Such kind of initiative, while it may generate a minimal amount at a given period, would still go a long way and make a significant impact once it gets added up.

“For every person who would like to make a difference, it’s also important to recognize that working together, aiming for the common goal hand-in-hand, can result in an even greater impact. With GCash for Good, doing something for a cause becomes accessible and easier for all Filipinos,” Thomas said.

Earth Hour Philippines 2019 shines a light on plastic pollution

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On the second year of the global #Connect2Earth theme of Earth Hour that calls for the urgent need to care for the Earth’s biological diversity, World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Philippines continues to focus on the issue of single-use plastics and how addressing it can help reverse the loss of nature.

WWF-Philippines National Ambassadors Rovilson Fernandez and Iza Calzado and WWF-Philippines National Youth Ambassador Janine Gutierrez stand with WWF-Philippines President and CEO Joel Palma, WWF-Philippines Climate and Energy Program Head and Earth Hour Pilipinas National Director Atty. Gia Ibay and Youth Programme and AIS Development Executive of the Boy Scouts of the Philippines Yasser Sarona at the Earth Hour Philippines 2019 media launch. 

Photograph (c) Alo Lantin / WWF-Philippines

Now on its 12th year, Earth Hour is considered as the world’s largest grassroots movement for the environment. What started out as a campaign to engage people and create significant environmental action against climate change has evolved into a platform that aims to raise awareness on the importance of biodiversity as a viable resource link that families, communities, nations, and future generations all depend upon.

“The last decade of Earth Hour has contributed so much to the global climate agenda and has paved the way for many conservation wins. Now that we are ushering in the second year of the movement’s new decade, our efforts will still be centered on raising awareness and inspiring action on conserving nature and biodiversity to counter the worsening impacts of climate change,” says WWF-Philippines Head of Climate and Energy Program and Earth Hour Pilipinas National Director Atty. Gia Ibay. 

When #Connect2Earth was launched last year, more than 17,900 landmarks and monuments in over 180 countries and territories switched off their lights to show their commitment to and support for raising awareness and inspiring action on conserving nature and biodiversity. Both #Connect2Earth and #EarthHour trended in 33 countries and garnered more than 3.5 billion impressions worldwide. With these numbers, Earth Hour 2019 is an unmissable opportunity to create an unstoppable movement for nature and WWF-Philippines is anchoring this year’s celebration on single-use plastics, one of the biggest threats to biodiversity. 

Leveraging on the momentum of its #AyokoNgPlastik movement, WWF-Philippines hopes to further create awareness on the dangers of single-use plastics, spark conversations, change mindsets and habits of consumers, urge businesses to operate more sustainably, and influence policy. Adopting the WWF network’s “No Plastics in Nature” Initiative, WWF-Philippines believes that Earth Hour 2019 is the best way to send out a clear message to take a stand against plastic pollution towards its ultimate goal of mobilizing public support for legislations on plastic waste management. 

WWF-Philippines President and CEO Joel Palma delivers the opening remarks for the Earth Hour Philippines 2019 media launch. 

Photograph © Alo Lantin / WWF-Philippines

“The Philippines is the 3rd major plastic polluter of oceans in the world and we, Filipinos, must unite and create concrete steps to stop this worsening situation. We have to realize how nature is vitally important in our daily lives and preventing single-use plastics from entering nature is a big step towards a greener, more sustainable planet,” states WWF-Philippines President and CEO Joel Palma as he reiterates the importance of working together to achieve a long-term solution to this environmental problem that significantly contributes to nature loss. 

The kick-off event of Earth Hour 2019 that was held on February 28, 2019 in the Magellan Function Room of the Discovery Suites in Ortigas saw commitments for nature formalized and renewed as the Boy Scouts of the Philippines (BSP) inked a memorandum of agreement with WWF-Philippines and National Ambassadors Rovilson Fernandez and Iza Calzado, as well as National Youth Ambassador Janine Gutierrez, renewed their contracts to reaffirm their declaration of support to conserve natural assets to ensure a living planet for future generations. 

 WWF-Philippines National Ambassador Iza Calzado 

 WWF-Philippines National Youth Ambassador Janine Gutierrez 

The main switch-off event of Earth Hour 2019 is slated on March 30, Saturday, at the Globe Circuit Event Grounds in Makati from 5:00 PM to 10:00PM, with the actual switch-off at 8:30 PM. At least 3,000 scouts will be deployed to the public event that will feature booths, activities, and performances that will honor the planet. Meanwhile, everyone from all over the Philippines is also encouraged to switch off non-essential lights from 8:30PM to 9:30PM in solidarity with millions around the world who will do the same.

Using this year’s official hashtags #Connect2Earth, #EarthHourPH2019, and #AyokoNgPlastik, WWF-Philippines is encouraging everyone to harness the power of social media and help share their commitment to start changing the planet for the better by sharing stories and photos of their sustainable living actions, as well as their pledges to say no to single-use plastics, via Earth Hour Philippines’ Facebook event page – http://bit.ly/EarthHourPH2019 that will go live by March 1, 2019. 

WWF-Philippines National Ambassadors Rovilson Fernandez and Iza Calzado and WWF-Philippines National Youth Ambassador Janine Gutierrez hosted the Earth Hour Philippines 2019 media launch.

Photograph © Alo Lantin / WWF-Philippines

To engage in conversations on plastics, join facebook.com/groups/ayokongplastik. 

Visit www.earthhour.org to know what’s happening in locations around the world and read individuals’ stories about what they are doing for our planet. 

To share ideas and tools to push for action and change, log in to connect2earth.org, the platform supported by Germany’s Federal Ministry of the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety with funding from the International Climate Initiative.

WWF-Philippines, Ayala Malls, and partners launch #AyokoNgPlastik movement to work towards a future without harmful plastic

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World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Philippines, Ayala Malls and other partner corporations, united under the call to end plastic pollution and work together for a more sustainable future for the Philippines, officially launched #AyokoNgPlastik movement at Glorietta 2 Activity Center last October 16, 2018. 

With eight million tons of plastic ending up in oceans every year, the Philippines ranks as the world’s third plastic polluter of oceans. The #AyokoNgPlastik movement hopes to address these alarming facts by bringing together companies, individuals, and other sectors to minimize and eventually put a stop to single-use plastics such as straws, bags, bottles, and cups. Refusing these is a simple yet strong first step that individuals can take to commit to a sustainable lifestyle, especially since the harm that these materials cause directly affect humans. 

“Plastic pollution is a serious threat not only to marine life but to human life as well. Plastics don’t completely degenerate and just break down into small pieces ─ microplastics ─ which are ingested by the fish that we eat. The possibility of plastics ending up on dinner plates is a serious concern and a health hazard,” said Joel Palma, WWF-Philippines President and CEO. 

The movement is one of the major projects of WWF-Philippines this year. Initiated by its Next Generation Council (NGC), the goal is to raise awareness and encourage individuals to live more consciously and for businesses to operate more sustainably. Introduced during the event, the NGC is made up of young movers and shakers who heeded the call to spread WWF-Philippines’ conservation thrusts. Headed by The Net Group Chair Raymond Rufino, members include television host and columnist Stephanie Zubiri-Crespi, Philux COO Stephanie Kienle-Gonzalez, Magsaysay Transport and Logistics COO Jesse Maxwell, Teach for the Philippines CEO Clarissa Delgado, The Moment Group Co-Founder and Creative Director Abba Napa, and former WWF-Philippines National Youth Council Chairperson Alexa Cancio. 

"Driven by deep concern, every member of the NGC is volunteering time, energy and resources to reduce single-use plastic pollution in the country. The challenge is daunting but we are determined and committed," stated Rufino. 

Mariana Zobel de Ayala, Ayala Malls Deputy Head

Ayala Malls, one of the biggest shopping mall developers in the Philippines, has also expressed support for the movement. As part of the Ayala group of companies (recognized by the United Nations as a sustainable development pioneer), Ayala Malls is committed to driving sustainable business and living practices across their many developments. 

“Sustainability has long been a priority for Ayala Malls and we’re especially proud to have the chance to continue the momentum with WWF. We launched our initial campaign in 2009, with the aim to bring focus to the importance of sustainable living, and last year we established our intent for no plastic shopping bags across Ayala Malls. We are thrilled to have found a partner in WWF for #AyokoNgPlastik campaign, as we work together for a more sustainable future for the Philippines,” said Mariana Zobel de Ayala, Ayala Malls Deputy Head. 

In addition to Ayala Malls, other official partners of the #AyokoNgPlastik movement present during the event include National Geographic, Bellevue Hotels and Resorts, Bo's Coffee, Corkcicle, Coffee Project, Daluyon Beach and Mountain Resort, Puerto Pension Inn, foodpanda, HSBC, Impact Hub Manila, IVO, The Lind Boracay, The Moment Group, Toby's Estate, CIBO, and CNN-Philippines. 

“We’re very grateful to have a number of companies join the movement this early on. With their involvement, it makes it easier for Filipinos to veer away from plastic and choose a sustainable alternative instead. We’re hoping to get more partners to participate in this cause,” Palma remarked. 

WWF-Philippines National Ambassadors Marc Nelson and Rovilson Fernandez, who hosted the kickoff event, both stressed the importance of every Filipino’s participation in the movement and how this can contribute to positive environmental change by stating how cleaning up oceans and coastlines is essential in restoring marine life and reiterating the importance of preventing pollutants from entering the oceans. 

“We’re very happy to see the growing number of people interested in beach cleanups. Now the challenge we must all take is to go beyond the beach and do whatever it takes to reduce our own carbon footprint,” Fernandez said. 

“The amount of trash being collected during cleanups is just unimaginable. Everyone needs to realize that our trash is never actually gone and just ends up somewhere else. We need to be responsible travelers and consumers and avoid single-use plastics and recycle what we can,” Nelson added. 

If production and usage of plastic remain unchanged, experts predict that there could be more plastic than fish in the ocean by 2050. Everyone is invited to take part in the #AyokoNgPlastik movement and can find more details through WWF-Philippines’ social media pages or the official #AyokoNgPlastik Facebook group, which now has almost 3,000 members since its launch 2 months ago. 

WWF National Ambassadors Rovilson Fernandez Iza Calzado and Marc Nelson wearing #AyokoNgPlastik shirts, which are available from October 16 to 21 at Trinoma and Glorietta 

Hamilo Coast & WWF: Nurturing a Sustainable Partnership

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On its 11th landmark year, Hamilo Coast and WWF-Philippines’ partnership now stands firmly on environmental programs aimed at not just ending plastic pollution but also at preserving its surrounding nature. Hamilo Coast, with the help of WWF-Philippines, has gone way beyond annual coastal cleanups and has carefully planted sustainability within its day to day operations. 

The Philippines ranks third in plastic pollution in terms of dumping plastic into our oceans. This is largely caused by inefficient waste disposal in the country and poor awareness of the problem. Because of this, the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Philippines, has been closely involved in coastal cleanups and other initiatives around the country to instill the importance of tackling this issue. 

Last September 22, 2018, as part of the worldwide movement, Hamilo Coast and WWF-Philippines, bloggers and volunteers join the Coastal Clean Up to save our oceans one coast at a time.

Warriors of the Waters 

Acknowledging that everything that happens on the ridge has a direct effect on the reef, WWF-Philippines and Hamilo Coast continue to implement programs for its Ridge to Reef Management. This includes the declaration of Hamilo Coast’s three coves into Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) – Pico de Loro and Etayo coves, and Hamilo Coast’s main marine sanctuary, Santelmo Cove, where giant clams are being cultivated and a vibrant marine life thrive. Ongoing projects to protect coastal and terrestrial resources include mangrove reforestation, pawikan conservation, marine mammal rescue, and reef monitoring. 

From Solid Waste to Zero Waste 

With efforts to keep the property and surroundings clean and green, WWF-Philippines developed a solid waste management plan for Pico de Loro Cove at Hamilo Coast, including a vermicomposting site aimed at attaining zero green wastes to be sent to landfill. 

Early this 2018, Pico de Loro Beach and Country Club and Pico Sands Hotel shifted a few of its operations to become more environmental friendly. The use of plastics have been replaced with paper straws and cups, good grade stirrers, and takeaway packs, which will eradicate the dumping of non-biodegradable waste of 180,000 plastic straws and 27,000 plastic stirrers annually. 

The Club and Hotel also partnered with WWF-Philippines in implementing a food waste management system, an initiative aimed at urging staff, members, and guests to be more conscious about food resources and waste. With leftover rice noted as one of the highest food waste contributor in the property, the restaurants’ menus now offer rice separately, also considering diners who are non-rice eaters. A campaign to encourage guests to only get the food they can consume in a buffet was also launched in the middle of the year. 

Keeping a resort development clean involves maximum effort. Water quality is regularly tested and monitored while waste water from the different locators within Pico de Loro Cove at Hamilo Coast are processed and recycled to keep the lush landscapes clean and green. 

Living in Harmony with Nature 

Green building strategies were carefully considered in Pico de Loro Cove’s latest luxury beach condominium development, Freia. This mid-rise contemporary tropical condominium building, which offers a spectacular panorama of the sea and verdant mountains, takes pride in its features that allow sustainable green living and consider cost-efficient operations. For instance, natural lighting and ventilation was considered in the building design and solar energy will be used for certain common areas. An efficient waste management system will also ensure reduced carbon footprints on the part of the residential community, thus promising a lifestyle that is not just close to nature but is one with its surrounding environmental bounties. 

Through the years, Hamilo Coast continues to champion sustainable practices through luxury seaside living at par with environmental awareness. Achievements and recognitions, such as its Bronze Benchmark Status from Earth Check in 2015 and 2017, and its exemplary practice on solid waste management given by the Department of Natural Resource’s Annual Environmental Summit in 2017, proves Hamilo Coast is not just a destination, but is also becoming a premier sustainable beach resort community. 

Hamilo Coast is the SM Group’s premier beach resort town in Nasugbu, Batangas, approximately 90 minutes from Manila via Cavitex and the new Ternate-Nasugbu Road. Its maiden development, Pico de Loro Cove is home to the Pico de Loro Beach and Country Club, an exclusive membership club with a plethora of land- and sea-based recreational facilities, and the Pico Sands Hotel, a seven storey, 154- room hotel offering spacious rooms with modern amenities and captivating views of the lush mountains and tranquil lagoon. For inquiries, call (632) 945-8000, or visit www.hamilocoast.com. 

The World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Philippines has been successfully implementing various conservation projects since 1997 to help protect some of the most biologically-significant ecosystems in Asia. For more information, visit wwf.org.ph. 

Pico de Loro Cove is one of several marine protected areas in Hamilo Coast where marine life is preserved and enhanced in partnership with WWF-Philippines since 2007.

WWF-Philippines National Youth Ambassador Janine Gutierrez leads Fundraising Hour at Lucky Chinatown

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World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Philippines National Youth Ambassador Janine Gutierrez, a passionate advocate of proper waste management and garbage disposal, became an actual on-ground fundraiser for a day for WWF-Philippines’ “Fundraising Hour” activity at the Lucky Chinatown in Manila.

This fundraising event is one of the activities of WWF-Philippines’ celebrity ambassadors to spread awareness on pressing environmental issues and introduce the Individual Donor Program (IDP) to the public. Through the IDP, everyone is encouraged to directly contribute in the conservation efforts of WWF-Philippines all over the country by signing up at booths in selected malls and venues all over the country or online.

As one of the newest celebrity ambassadors of WWF-Philippines, Janine has already supported several WWF-Philippines activities the past year, including Earth Hour, Sustainable Food, Sustainable Future Fundraising Dinner, Partners’ Night 2017, and a WWF-Philippines site visit in Donsol, Sorsogon.

“I am so glad that I am doing a lot more now to protect our environment. Our activities here in WWF-Philippines encourage everyone, especially the youth, to take an active role in protecting and preserving our planet because together we can make everything possible,” Janine said. 

Lucky Chinatown served as the perfect venue for the fundraising event as it has partnered up with WWF-Philippines for its Panda-themed holidays. 

The festivities feature the “Adopt-a-Panda” campaign, which allows shoppers to take home a panda stuffed toy, a WWF pin, and an official adoption certificate for PhP500. Those who choose to symbolically adopt pandas can easily sustain the environment as all proceeds will go to WWF-Philippines’ conservation programs. The “Adopt-a-Panda” campaign will run until December 31, 2017.

Each and every contribution will help WWF-Philippines’ campaigns and projects in conserving natural habitats, resources and ecosystems in the country as it carries out its mission to build a future where Filipinos live in harmony with nature. 

To know more about WWF or to donate online, you may visit www.wwf.org.ph.

Responsible travel and surfing highlighted at Reef‘s Free the Sea Movement 2

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Reef promotes responsible travel through “Free the Sea Movement 2” held in Nalu Surf Camp in Baler, Aurora, Quezon Province. 

Reef, a surf and lifestyle brand known worldwide in partnership with WWF Philippines as it hosts Free the Sea Movement 2 this September 29 until October 1 , 2017 as it continues promoting responsible travel and environmental conservation.

Baler, Aurora is one of the country’s top hotspots for surfing. Aurora is a paradise for surfers, with its long coastline exposed to the Pacific Ocean.

The exciting three-day event treated guests to a slew of fun activities that had them riding the waves while helping to preserve the beauty of Sabang Beach. 

Free the Sea 2 opened with a coastal clean-up and talk from WWF Philippines on sustainable tourism, a cause near and dear to Reef’s heart as it is in line with Reef’s global humanitarian outreach campaign “We Heart.” 

“As travelers, we may be just passing through other beaches and cities but through our We Heart campaign, we want to educate people on the importance of leaving a positive impact on the local communities we visit,” 

“With more and more travelers discovering the beauty of our islands and with the rise of local tourism, now is a good time for us to educate people on the environmental impact tourism has and how we all need to work together maintain our beaches so people can continue to enjoy them for years to come,” Marnelli Gaerlan, Marketing Head for Reef, shared. 

Together with WWF, Surfari Philippines and volunteers, Reef spearheaded the coastal clean-up that aims to restore and preserve the beauty of Sabang Beach. 

Afterwards, guests then got to enjoy what Sabang Beach was famous for – amazing waves and surfing! 

Volunteers got the chance to reconnect with nature and learn how to surf with free surfing lessons conducted by Nalu Surf Camp. 

In the evening, they were also treated to laid-back beachside music with performances from Soundcloud Philippines’ Ann Clerigo, the soulful music of Banna Harbera, and an open mic show which include the turnover of Reef’s donation to WWF, amounting to P30,000, which would go towards WWF’s environmental programs.

The next day opened with even more to offer surfing enthusiasts, as they witness the Surfari Beginners’ Competition, followed by a festive After Party which capped the weekend. 

Aside from receiving their well-earned awards, surfers alongside the volunteers jammed to the sound of indie rapper Eazyhead, party-starter remixes and originals from DJ Doms Badwolf & DJ CC – the perfect end to a beautiful beach day in Baler!

“We are really excited for this year’s Free the Sea Movement. Baler is the perfect setting for us to promote responsible travel and environmental conservation, while at the same time, giving everyone a taste of what they can enjoy if we remember to care of our beaches – which is delicious local food and music, white beaches, clear water and of course, gigantic waves and surfing like no other!” Gaerlan said.

Reef’s ‘Free the Sea Movement: Baler” was sponsored by Juan Light Studio, Bike King’s Kitchen, Madison’s Cafe Baler, La Patricia Hotel, Baler and The Shack, Baler with music partners Ann Clerigo, Banna Harbera, Eazyhead, DJ Domes Badwolf and DJ CC.