ABS-CBN Foundation and Sun Life Canada, through Sun Life Financial-Philippines Foundation, Inc. (Sun Life Foundation), the philanthropic arm of Sun Life Philippines, are launching the Integrated Mangrove Citizen Science and Sustainable Livelihood project in Samar and Biliran.
The project focuses on empowering San Juan by the Bay Service Cooperative (SJBSC), Barobaybay Mangrove and Marine Association (BMMCA), and the Naga, Rawis, Villa Corro, Looc Mangrove and Fisherfolk Association (NARAVIL MFA). It seeks to enable local communities to become stewards of their natural environment, engaging them as citizen scientists in preserving mangrove ecosystems. It also aims to strengthen their livelihoods and community-based social enterprises to sustain economic opportunities that support their social mission for people and the planet.
Representatives from ABS-CBN Foundation, Sun Life Philippines, and Sun Life Foundation have graced the ceremonial turnover of mangrove equipment by providing essential tools that support effective monitoring and data collection. These tools include cell phones for gathering valuable data and aqua shoes to ensure safety and efficiency during fieldwork. Their representatives also immersed themselves in monitoring the mangrove areas, a crucial part of the project.
“We at Sun Life are delighted to be part of this collaboration. Environmental sustainability is one of Sun Life Foundation’s philanthropic pillars, and we are thankful that through projects like this we get to contribute to building a more sustainable future for Filipinos across the country,” said Valerie Pama, Chief Asset Management Officer at Sun Life Philippines and a Trustee of the Sun Life Foundation.
Kristine Dianne Millete, Executive Director of the Sun Life Foundation, emphasized the importance of collaboration, stating, “It is crucial to acknowledge everyone with a stake in this project because each person has a reason for being here, and our collective involvement is essential for the project’s success.”
Roberta Lopez-Feliciano, Managing Director of the ABS-CBN Foundation, stressed the value of nurturing nature: “The beauty of your region is truly remarkable. It’s encouraging to see such dedication to protecting and nurturing your natural resources. I hope that we will always love the nature around us, especially because it directly impacts our livelihoods and our present and future.”