“Protect The Bay” Initiative by RP Energy
As part of its environment-related projects under the Katuwang Natin sa Buhay corporate social responsibility (CSR) program, Redondo Peninsula Energy Inc. (RP Energy) launched its “Protect The Bay” initiative through a two-day seminar-workshop on marine environmental laws and best practices in coastal marine management.
According to RP Energy CSR officer Victor Chan, “the objective of the initiative is to ensure the sustainability of Subic Bay by supporting the local government unit’s rehabilitation and protection efforts in various areas within the bay as well as the local enforcement of environmental policies. Citizen’s participation through vigilance is crucial for the success of these efforts since the surrounding communities are also the ones directly affected by pollution in the bay.”
Organized in partnership with the Blacksmith Institute, University of the Philippines Los Banos College of Human Ecology, Subic Bay Integrated Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management Council (IFARMC) and the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), more than 50 fisherfolks from Zambales and Bataan along with law enforcers from the SBMA and the Philippine Coast Guard attended the two-day seminar-workshop.
The Blacksmith Institute is an international non-profit organization dedicated to helping solve pollution problems in developing countries. Since its inception in 1999, Blacksmith has completed more than 50 clean-up projects in 21 countries.
Despite Subic Bay’s importance to both the local fishing and tourism industry, locals believe the bay is already suffering from over-exploitation, tourism pressure, marine pollution and destructive fishing practices. According to Restituto Del Rosario chairman of the local IFARMC, “kami ay nagpapasalamat sa RP Energy sa kanilang pagsuporta sa aming mga mangingisda. Nakakatuwang isipin na ang RP Energy ay aming katuwang sa pangangalaga sa Subic Bay sapagkat ito ay karugtong na ng aming buhay”
SBMA Public Relations Department head Armie Llamas added, “we are thankful that RP Energy initiated the “Protect the Bay” program. This project will help push SBMA’s stakeholders in joining us in protecting the resources of Subic Bay.”
Apart from the seminar, Chan said that RP Energy is looking at other activities that will be organized under the initiative. These include the establishment of mangrove forests along the bay, the expansion of RP Energy’s giant clam farm and the launch of Task Force Subic Bay that will serve as a monitoring group composed of various community stakeholders.
