Metro Pacific Investments Foundation (MPIF) is proud to celebrate its 15th year of contributing to the preservation and protection of the Philippines’ marine and coastal ecosystems through its flagship program, Shore It Up! (SIU). As part of its commitment to environmental stewardship, MPIF is expanding its reach and impact.
To commemorate this milestone, MPIF will host a multisectoral forum titled “Enlarging Our Blue Footprint for Philippine Marine Biodiversity Conservation” on July 28 at the Westin Manila Hotel in Pasig City. The event will gather environmental stakeholders from various sectors to collaboratively draft a common agenda.
Esteemed guests from various government agencies will be in attendance. Senate Committee Chair on Environment and Natural Resources Sen. Cynthia Villar will talk about Climate Emergency while Hon. Edgar Chatto will present about Multi-Actor Partnership (MAP) on Climate and Disaster Risk Financing and Insurance. Slated also in the lineup of presentations are the Government’s Ridge to Reef Priority Program by DENR Sec. Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga and Sustainable Ecotourism by DOT USec. Shereen Gail Yu-Pamintuan.
Attending from the private sector would be MPIC Chairman, President & CEO Manuel V. Pangilinan and MPIC CFO, CRO, and CSO Chaye Cabal-Revilla who will outline the MVP Group’s Sustainability Practices through her presentation, Gabay Kalikasan: Making Better Choices for Tomorrow and Becoming Catalysts for a Cleaner, Greener, and More Resilient Planet for Every Filipino.
MPIF President Melody del Rosario emphasized the importance of private sector support in preserving the country’s biodiversity. “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,” said del Rosario. “We at the Foundation want to ensure that we play our part in futureproofing what we have and help mitigate climate change.”
The half-day forum will also feature eminent speakers, marine scientists, local government officials, and environmental experts who will share their insights on empowering communities through nature-based solutions and sustainable development.
One of the highlights of the event will be an in-depth discussion on safeguarding Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the country’s largest marine protected area. This talk will be delivered by the Tubbataha Management Office Protected Area Superintendent, along with Shore It Up advisors and experts.
Since its inception in 2009, Shore It Up has grown from a small underwater and coastal cleanup initiative to a comprehensive environmental stewardship program. It now extends its efforts to vast mangrove forests, marine protected areas, and wetlands of national importance, benefiting both the ecosystems and the communities within them.
In recent years, SIU has supported two Ramsar Wetlands of International Importance: the Las Piñas – Parañaque Wetland Park in Manila Bay and the Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park in Cagayancillo, Palawan. The program has also made significant contributions to key coastal areas, including Mabini (Batangas), Alaminos City (Pangasinan), Del Carmen (Surigao del Norte), Medina (Misamis Oriental), Cordova (Cebu), and Subic Bay.
Over the past 15 years, SIU has mobilized over 85,000 volunteers from Metro Pacific firms, government agencies, local government units, law enforcement agencies, community organizations, civil society groups, dive industry stakeholders, and public elementary schools. This impressive achievement reflects the commitment and dedication of stakeholders in preserving and conserving our natural heritage.
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About Metro Pacific Investments Foundation (MPIF):
Metro Pacific Investments Foundation (MPIF) is the corporate social responsibility arm of Metro Pacific Investments Corp. (MPIC), a leading infrastructure conglomerate in the Philippines. Through its flagship program, Shore It Up! (SIU), MPIF aims to conserve and protect the country’s marine and coastal ecosystems by engaging various stakeholders and implementing sustainable initiatives.
