SM, through the Philippine Geothermal Production Company Inc. (PGPC) continues to introduce projects under its Environmental Conservation for Sustaining Tiwi’s Aquatic Resources (ECO-STAR) Program aimed at preserving marine environments and communities in Tiwi, Albay.
SM said the ECO-STAR Program aims to continue its work towards turning Tiwi into a vibrant Eco-Adventure Marine Park, with ongoing plans for team-building activities, wildlife conservation, and further livelihood enhancements.
The ECO-STAR Program encompasses several critical components, including the management of the 4.2 square kilometers Corangon Marine Sanctuary and the rehabilitation of beach and mangrove areas across 14 coastal barangays in Tiwi.
The program started with a Watch Station area, which serves as Tiwi’s central resource and information center to help educate local communities on the need to address the harmful effects of illegal fishing practices such as cyanide and dynamite fishing.
Since its inception, the program has overseen the planting and nurturing of over 300,000 mangrove and beach tree species and facilitated the rescue and release of 327 sea turtles since 2013.
PGPC also helped organize the Youth Environmental Leaders League (TIWI YELL) whose members are engaged in annual summer camp that provides training in marine conservation, first aid, and other essential skills.
ECO-STAR’s efforts led to the successful rehabilitation of the Corangon Marine Sanctuary which in turn contributed to the return of sea turtles to Tiwi’s shores. This success has prompted PGPC and Tiwi local government unit to create the Sea Turtle Awareness and Rescue (STAR) Center. The program also organizes fundraising events through the annual fun run to save sea turtles, contributes to the Municipal Tourism Development Plan, engages with the Tiwi Municipal Tourism Council, and other activities like mangrove and beach tree planting, coastal clean-ups, and coral mapping.
PGPC’s partnership with local organizations has created valuable livelihood opportunities for women in Tiwi. At the Tiwi ASENSO Livelihood Center, more than 40 women are involved in producing seaweed-based products.
“Our holistic approach to coastal conservation not only focuses on environmental protection but also on improving the livelihoods of local families. By integrating education, community engagement, and sustainable practices, we aim to create lasting benefits for both the environment and the people,”PGPC president Napoleon Saporsantos Jr. said.
Since 2017, PGPC has also been at the forefront of the Adopt-An-Estero Program, focusing on the revitalization of the BariisRiver in Tiwi, Albay. The program aims to restore and sustain the river’s freshwater ecosystem through a combination of coastal clean-up activities, solid waste management, tree planting, and awareness campaigns.
“While the Bariis River is crucial to our renewable energy operations, our primary goal is to ensure the health of our ecosystems. Clean rivers contribute to a healthy environment overall, and that’s why we are dedicated to their preservation,” said Mr. Saporsantos.
The once pollution-prone area now boasts one of the most acceptable river qualities recognized by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources — Environmental Management Bureau.
