Asia’s Multimedia Star and Century Tuna Ambassador, Alden Richards, recently took a dive in the seas of Anilao, Mabini, Batangas to support the Century Tuna Saving Our Seas initiative. This advocacy aims to emphasize the significance of preserving local marine biodiversity and effectively managing plastic waste in the Philippines. This marks Alden’s first time participating in this initiative.
Alden emphasized the importance of using his celebrity status to make a difference in addressing pressing environmental issues such as plastic pollution, climate change, and other concerns. He stated that he’s not scuba diving for leisure but rather to help protect the planet and save our seas. By leveraging his platform, he hopes to influence and amplify messages about the urgency of these issues.
Century Tuna’s Saving Our Seas program is a local canned tuna brand initiative that aims to increase awareness about the pressing issue of plastic pollution that not only affects marine biodiversity but also the human population. The brand recognizes the Philippines’ location as part of the ‘Coral Triangle,’ the center of the world’s marine biodiversity, and is committed to addressing the ecological challenges facing the country’s seas.
Through Saving Our Seas, Century Tuna encourages individuals to join the fight against plastic pollution and become part of the solution for conserving the environment. In partnership with HOPE’s Aling Tindera Waste-to-Cash program, communities can collect plastic waste and exchange it for money. The Saving Our Seas project reinforces the Plastic Circular Economy by diverting collected and recycled plastic from nature.
Alden Richards, the Century Tuna Ambassador, shared that Saving Our Seas is his first environmental advocacy project and that it has opened his eyes to the devastating impact of plastic pollution on the ecosystem.
The superstar expressed his sadness and concern over the issue of waste management, saying that it’s alarming how people still take it for granted. He shared how he used to think that throwing a piece of wrapper wouldn’t harm the environment. However, after seeing the condition of the reef during his dive, he realized the impact of such actions. He asked himself what would happen if thousands of people had the same attitude.
Alden believes that change starts with oneself. If one wants to see change, they must be the change they want to see. He emphasized that the things we take for granted today will have a significant impact on future generations.
Century Tuna’s Saving Our Seas initiative aims to contribute to strengthening the Plastic Circular Economy by ensuring that all collected and recycled plastics will not leak back into the environment. In partnership with HOPE, the project targets to collect 10 metric tons of plastic in 2023.
Alden expressed his gratitude for being part of this cause, which combines scuba diving and reef cleaning. He shared that it’s his first time to participate in such an initiative, and he’s honored to be part of it. Alden thanked Century Tuna for considering him for this role.
Alden Richards was accompanied by Century Tuna executives, including Mr. Chris Po, the Executive Chairman of Century Pacific Food Inc., Mr. Leo Po, the Director & Treasurer, Mr. Greg Banzon, the EVP & COO, Mr. Carlo Endaya, the VP & GM for Branded Tuna Business, HOPE Founder Ms. Nanette Medved-Po, and Managing Director Ms. Ilusion Farias. Additionally, the event was also joined by Century Tuna Superbods winners and finalists, as well as volunteers from the community.
The start of the Saving Our Seas initiative was held during the Earth Hour celebration and was filled with environment-conscious activities, such as shore and reef clean-up, community visits, and the observance of Earth Hour.
Aside from Alden Richards, Century Tuna’s newest ambassador, Pia Wurtzbach, also supports the Saving Our Seas advocacy.
For more information, visit the Saving Our Seas microsite at https://centurytuna.ph/SavingOurSeas/. You can also follow Century Tuna Superbods on Facebook or @centurytunasuperbods on Instagram for updates.
