Globe launches long-term conservation plan for Boracay

Globe Telecom has launched its long-term conservation and sustainability plan for Boracay, starting with its initiatives to help address untreated sewage that is causing pollution into the waters of the island.

Globe executives recently signed a memorandum of agreement with key leaders from Manila Water Foundation and Boracay Island Water Company (Boracay Water) for the donation of a communal septic tank in Sitio Ilaya, Balabag, Boracay Island, Malay, Aklan.

Globe and its partners will also provide 8,000 packs of Vigormin – a low-cost, organic solution to boost the removal rate of organic pollutants in septic tanks for improved quality of used water –– to more than 4,000 households in Boracay.

“I am very happy Globe came to us and asked what we can do. Because of our ties with Globe and Boracay Water, we sat down one afternoon and shared some ideas. In Boracay, there are low-lying areas that sewer lines cannot reach,” Manila Water Foundation President Geodino Carpio said. “This initiative will help ensure homeowners and tourists in Boracay will have a safe and decent place to stay in.”

While the country’s top tourist draw is being closed from tourists for 6 months, Globe, along with its partners, is drumming up its efforts to help the government rehabilitate the island.

“Boracay has always been very close to the hearts of every Filipino. Recently, it became the center of everyone’s attention. As Filipino Citizens, it is our responsibility to help out and contribute in our shared purpose to rehabilitate Boracay. Beyond business, we will help make the island a safe and sustainable ecotourism destination through replicable and scalable solutions” Globe Senior Vice President for Consumer Mobile Business Issa Cabreira said.

Partnership with Save Philippine Seas

Aside from its wastewater treatment initiatives, Globe is also collaborating with Save Philippine Seas, a non-profit organization, in educating locals how they can help protect threatened marine resources in the island.

Dubbed as Earthducation, Globe and Save Philippine Seas will organize a two-day workshop for educators and teachers in the island, which will run from May to December. The objectives of the program are to (i) increase conservation literacy; (ii) develop transferable leadership and teaching skills; (iii) increase the individual’s pro-environmental behavior; and (iv) integrate sustainable practices in classrooms.

This move is in line with the administrative order set by Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) last April, identifying certain areas in Boracay as a "critical habitat,” or those that would be for colonies of flying foxes, nesting grounds of marine turtles, and developing corals.

In addition, 3% of the sale proceeds of Globe Telecom’s Nine One Seven summer collection will be allocated to help build a “Better Boracay.”

Since 2012, the Ayala-led telco has been contributing tovarious environmental initiatives and programs, including marine life protection, offshore clean-up training, and environmental awareness.