Metro Pacific Investments Foundation (MPIF), the social development arm of Metro Pacific Investments Corporation, has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting Siargao’s coastal communities by signing a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Municipality of Del Carmen to enhance the Mangrove Protection and Information Center II (MPIC II).
Signed during the municipality’s 106th founding anniversary celebration, the agreement includes approximately P1.219 million in financial assistance to improve the facility, building on 13 years of collaboration between MPIF and the local government to protect the island’s mangrove ecosystems.
The signing followed the State of the Municipality Address (SOMA) of Del Carmen Municipal Mayor Alfredo M. Coro II and was accompanied by a ceremonial cheque turnover.
The partnership began 13 years ago when MPIF and the Municipality of Del Carmen collaborated to establish what the Foundation described as the first and only mangrove center in Mindanao. Since then, their shared commitment has focused on protecting coastal communities, preserving marine biodiversity, and sustaining local livelihoods.
Since 2013, the Foundation has extended an estimated amount of P11.7 million in support to Del Carmen, covering the development and improvement of conservation facilities, allowances for local mangrove eco-guides, and recovery assistance following Typhoon Odette.
“Protecting our mangroves is not just planting trees. It is about protecting lives, livelihoods, and the future of our communities,” said Melody del Rosario, MPIF President.
With the improvement of MPIC II, MPIF hopes to create more opportunities for students, residents, and visitors to learn about the importance of mangrove conservation. The facility is envisioned as a hub for environmental education, community participation, research, and knowledge sharing.
At the heart of these efforts are local communities who help care for Del Carmen’s mangroves. MPIF continues to support three local mangrove eco-guides through monthly allowances, recognizing their role in sharing environmental knowledge and encouraging others to take part in protecting the island’s natural resources.
Del Carmen Municipal Mayor Alfredo Matugas Coro II underscored the municipality’s commitment to sustainable development.
“Our next 15 years are all about ensuring sustainability and equitable growth,” said Mayor Coro II, emphasizing the importance of balancing development with environmental protection.
For MPIF, the agreement is not simply about improving a facility, but about sustaining a partnership that continues to create opportunities for communities to learn, participate, and take ownership of conservation efforts.
“In development work, it is easy to launch a project. What is more important and more challenging is to sustain it, nurture it, and ensure that it continues to create value long after the launch,” MPIF President del Rosario added.
Through its continued partnership with Del Carmen, MPIF aims to strengthen mangrove conservation efforts, promote environmental education, and support long-term protection of Siargao’s coastal ecosystems.
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