METRO Pacific Investments Foundation (MPIF), the social development arm of Metro Pacific Investments Corp., strengthened its partnership with Del Carmen, Surigao del Norte, with the signing of an agreement to enhance mangrove conservation in Siargao.
Under the memorandum of agreement (MoA), P1.219 million worth of financial assistance will be granted for the improvement of what they described as the lone mangrove center in Mindanao, the Mangrove Protection and Information Center II.
In a statement on Tuesday, MPIF said the facility is envisioned to serve as a hub for environmental education, community participation, research, and knowledge sharing.
“Protecting our mangroves is not just planting trees. It is about protecting lives, livelihoods, and the future of our communities,” MPIF President Melody M. del Rosario was quoted as saying.
MPIF noted the MoA not only seeks to improve the facility, but also to sustain its 13-year partnership with Del Carmen. The foundation has extended an estimated P11.7 million to support the municipality, through the development and improvement of conservation facilities, allowances for local mangrove eco-guides, and recovery assistance following Typhoon Odette.
“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,” Ms. del Rosario added. — CAT