IN celebration of the International Day of Biological Diversity, Aboitiz Land held a groundbreaking ceremony and time capsule laying on May 22 for the much-anticipated Pawikan Hatchery at their Seafront Residences.
This significant milestone marks a dedicated effort towards marine conservation and environmental sustainability in San Juan, Batangas.
Headed by Aboitiz Land, the collaborative effort involved partnerships with Aboitiz Foundation, the CSR-arm of the Aboitiz Group, Seafront Residences vecinos or homeowners, University of the Philippines Diliman Institute of Environmental Science and Meteorology, San Juan Municipal Environment and Natural Resource Office (MENRO), Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary (PCGA), and Philippine Coast Guard (PCG). The atmosphere was charged with excitement and a shared commitment to protecting the endangered marine turtles, commonly known as pawikans.
The Pawikan Hatchery is a critical initiative aimed at providing a safe haven for turtle eggs and ensuring the survival of hatchlings.
This project is part of a broader strategy by Aboitiz Land to foster environmental stewardship and promote sustainable living practices within its developments.
Erika Maguad-Tibayan, Aboitiz Land senior manager, Marketing and Branding highlighted the importance of the hatchery in preserving the marine ecosystem.
“At Aboitiz Land, we believe that true progress lies in creating a space where all kinds of lives can thrive, whether it be on land or at sea,” Maguan-Tibayan said.
The Seafront Residences vecinos and neighboring coastal communities have been actively involved in pawikan protection along the shores of San Juan, Batangas, since the start of the Pawikan Conservation Project in 2018. Clean-up drives, educational programs, and outreach efforts are conducted regularly to raise awareness about the importance of marine conservation and the role of the pawikans in maintaining the health of the coastal ecosystem.
During the event, Aboitiz Land introduced the Pawikan Monitoring Guide, a comprehensive resource for the care of pawikans and their eggs during the nesting season. They also unveiled initial plans for an Adopt-A-Hatchery Program within the seaside development, which seeks to encourage vecinos to support the establishment and maintenance of the pawikan hatcheries. This program aims to protect and nurture pawikan eggs until they hatch, increasing the chances of survival for these endangered sea turtles.
The conservation efforts at Seafront Residences are poised to make a significant impact on the local environment and serve as a model for other coastal communities. As the sun set over the picturesque shores of San Juan, the groundbreaking ceremony concluded with a collective pledge to protect and preserve the natural beauty and biodiversity of the region. The Pawikan Hatchery stands as a symbol of hope, resilience, and the enduring spirit of environmental stewardship.
