The Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines partnered with the Save Palawan Seas Foundation (SPSF) for their 2024 Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program, SUSTAINABILISEA: SPSF x TPB Create Hope. This initiative aimed to bridge sustainable tourism with environmental welfare and community empowerment and took place from June 5 to 7, 2024, in Taytay, Palawan.
The program activities were conducted in Sitio Calabugtong and the Barangays of Casian and Batas. These areas, which struggle with access to essential utilities such as power and water, greatly benefited from the initiative. This collaboration marked a significant step toward promoting sustainability, protecting the environment, and supporting local communities.
To address the limited access to power, approximately 600 houses in the coastal towns of Barangay Casian—specifically Sitios Calabugtong, Dinet, Calampasiao, and Sitio Proper—received 40 units of solar street lights, launching the CSR program. Additionally, TPB provided school materials to students and teachers in these sitios and organized a soup kitchen during the event.
The following day featured coral propagation activities and marine conservation awareness. This seminar, held at the SPSF sanctuary in collaboration with the Palawan Council for Sustainable Development (PCSD), included practical instruction and guidance from marine professionals. Participants planted around 200 coral fragments.
Furthermore, CSR participants engaged in a nature trek and tree-planting event at Lake Manguao in Taytay, Palawan. This freshwater lake, surrounded by lush forests and home to many bird species, is a popular spot for birdwatching. The lake’s unique feature of having no surface outflow to the sea highlights its ecological significance. TPB’s efforts demonstrated their commitment to sustainable practices for conserving and protecting Lake Manguao’s natural ecosystems.
The initiative also involved planting 1,000 to 2,000 mangrove propagules in Barangay Batas and conducting a coastal cleanup in Sitio Calabugtong. Mangroves play a crucial role in shielding the land from harsh weather events, while coastal cleanups protect marine life from harmful waste. These efforts significantly benefit the island’s coastal communities.
This collaborative effort between TPB and SPSF underscores the importance of collective action in promoting sustainable tourism, environmental protection, and community empowerment. Through this partnership, TPB has shown its dedication to sustainability, environmental conservation, and community support.
