MPIF Wins Back-to-Back Outstanding CSR Project in Environment at LCF CSR Guild Awards
Metro Pacific Investments Foundation, Inc. (MPIF), the corporate social responsibility arm of Metro Pacific Investments Corporation (MPIC), was once again recognized for its leadership in environmental sustainability at the 2025 League of Corporate Foundations (LCF) CSR Guild Awards, receiving the Outstanding CSR Project in Environment distinction for its entry, “Shoring Up Siargao and Mabini’s Coastal Communities by Expanding the MPIC Guardians Program.”
The LCF CSR Guild Awards is an annual recognition program that honors foundations and corporations for exceptional and impactful corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives. This marks the second consecutive win for MPIF in the Environment category, celebrating its continued leadership in marine conservation through its flagship program, Shore It Up!
Empowering Coastal Communities Through the MPIC Guardians Program
Now in its 15th year, Shore It Up! has expanded its Marine Protection, Inspection, and Conservation (MPIC) Guardians Program to two new biodiversity hotspots in 2024: General Luna, Siargao and Mabini, Batangas. These sites join earlier locations in Luzon and Mindanao, bringing the total number of Marine Guardians to 62, up from 36 in the previous year.
Through intensive training and provision of equipment—including GoPros, GPS units, radios, searchlights, and a patrol rubber boat—26 new Guardians were mobilized to help enforce environmental laws and protect their communities’ marine resources.
Launched in 2017, partners closely with local government units (LGUs) and national agencies to train Bantay-Dagat volunteers as certified marine stewards. In 2024, MPIF signed formal agreements and conducted full training cycles in both locations. These efforts were institutionalized at the LGU level to ensure long-term sustainability.
Long-Term Investment in Marine Protection and Stewardship
MPIF has invested over ₱12.1 million in the MPIC Guardians Program since its inception—a clear show of its ongoing commitment to marine conservation. The program combines hands-on training, collaboration with local stakeholders, and integration with local government systems to build lasting, community-led environmental efforts.
“On behalf of our Chairman, Manuel V. Pangilinan, and Metro Pacific Investments Foundation, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to our LGU partners and Marine Protection, Inspection, and Conservation Guardians for their unwavering support in making the Shoring Up Siargao and Mabini’s Coastal Communities project a success,” said Melody del Rosario, MPIF President. “In the past 15 years, we have equipped our Bantay-Dagat volunteers with essential tools and training to ensure food security and safeguard our marine protected areas efficiently and effectively. Looking ahead, we are committed to sustaining and growing the MPIC Guardians Program, focusing on the center of marine biodiversity—the Verde Island Passage, declared by Mission Blue as a Hope Spot of global significance”.
A National Model for Sustainable Marine Conservation
MPIF’s recognition at this year’s CSR Guild Awards reaffirms the relevance of grassroots, science-based, and community-driven approaches to marine protection. Aligned with Gabay Kalikasan, one of the MVP Group’s Gabay Advocacies for a Sustainable Philippines, Shore It Up! actively supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 14: Life Below Water, Goal 15: Life on Land, and Goal 17: Partnerships for the Goals.
