WWF-PH marks Plastic-Free July by engaging private sector on critical habitats cleanup and waste segregation learning sessions
BDO employee volunteers conduct coastal cleanup at Las Pinas-Paranaque Critical Habitat and Ecotourism Area
The clean-up activity brought together environmental conservation enthusiasts from the banking company who volunteered to collect waste along LPPCHEA’s southwest portion called Long Island. A Ramsar site, LPPCHEA is a 175-hectare protected area of mangroves, mudflats and coastal areas that serves as a migration site for birds such as the Rufous night heron. Ramsar sites are globally recognized wetlands with ecological, economic, cultural, scientific and recreational value. LPPCHEA is one of eight Ramsar sites in the country.
“Part of BDO's sustainability journey is to develop sustainability leaders and advocates among our over 39,000-plus employees,” says Marla G. Alvarez, BDO Unibank Vice President and Head of Sustainability Office. “One powerful way to do this is to bring our expertise, time, and compassion to our local communities to help address poverty, hunger, education, environmental, and financial literacy challenges. We find ways to create a more equitable and responsible future for all.”
WWF-Philippines’ Education for Sustainable Development team provided an orientation on the different kinds of waste that could be found along coasts, instructions on the segregation and collection methods, and tools such as gloves, sacks and log sheets.
“Sustainability is more than just an event. It is a commitment at the very heart of the organization. Our engaged employee volunteers serve as the pulse that ensures the continuing fulfillment of that commitment,” says Evelyn C. Salagubang, BDO Unibank Senior Vice President and Head of Human Resources Group.
Over 2,200 kilograms of waste were collected in the two days.
"We hope that in our own small way, we are able to contribute to the attainment of a sustainable and resilient future,” says Mario Deriquito, President of the BDO Foundation. “Encouraged by the social responsiveness and volunteerism of the BDO Unibank community, we look forward to embarking on more environmental initiatives in other parts of the country.”
The clean up activity was an opportunity for BDO volunteers to act firsthand on the issue of plastic pollution in a place not far from their homes and workplaces. The activity highlighted the importance of a full system approach of reducing plastic use, increasing collection and recycling, and preventing plastic waste from ending up in the environment.
“The LPPCHEA is a critical ecosystem facing many threats including compounding waste and plastic washing up on its shores.” says Katherine Custodio, WWF-Philippines’ Executive Editor.
“It is vital for us at WWF-Philippines to work with all sectors to accelerate action against plastic pollution, particularly in critical habitats. We thank the 291 BDO volunteers who joined us to usher in plastic-free July.”
About WWF:
WWF is one of the world’s largest and most respected independent conservation organizations, with over 5 million supporters and a global network active in over 100 countries. WWF's mission is to stop the degradation of the Earth's natural environment and to build a future in which humans live in harmony with nature, by conserving the world's biological diversity, ensuring that the use of renewable natural resources is sustainable, and promoting the reduction of pollution and wasteful consumption.
WWF-Philippines has been successfully implementing various conservation projects to help protect some of the most biologically-significant ecosystems in Asia since its establishment as the 26th national organization of the WWF network in 1997.
For media arrangements, please contact:
Ms. Chezka Guevarra
Assistant Manager for External Communications and Ambassador Programs
09276566436
cguevarra@wwf.org.ph
