Isuzu Philippines Corporation’s commitment towards the betterment of the people and the community is best expressed during its 9th anniversary celebration.
The company that introduced the S.E.E technology which stands for Safety, Economy and Environment Friendliness in the country has adopted a 5-hectare protected mangrove park at Brgy. Sabangan here last Monday.
This was IPC’s anniversary offering and is considered as one of the noblest initiatives undertaken in years as a genuine manifestation of its corporate social responsibility.
Alaminos City Mayor Hernani A. Braganza and IPC president Yoshifumi Komura both inked the Memorandum of Understanding on the turnover of stewardship of the Isuzu Mangrove Park during the simple program held at Pension House, Lucap Wharf. Witnessing the MOA signing were IPC VP for Corporate Business Arthur Balmadrid, City Council members, DOT Regional Dir. Martin Valera, DENR Regional Dir. Victor Ancheta, City Administrator Wilmer Panabang, and officials of coastal communities.
“We all know the important role mangroves play in protecting the coastal area against erosion and against storm surges, “Komura said in his anniversary message during the program.
“Mangroves also nurture flora and fauna to maintain the health of local eco-systems and these are especially important in preserving the physical condition and beauty of the Hundred Islands.”
Explaining why Isuzu Philippines decided to establish the protected mangrove at the Hundred Islands, Komura noted “Isuzu is proud to work together with local communities and their leaders in government and in the private sectors to develop the local tourism sectors and boost the economy.
“Isuzu is not only in the business of selling reliable and durable vehicles for the family and business. It is also serious about its role as a responsible partner of its loyal customers and the community at large. And there is nothing more important than helping customers and the community prospers while at the same time helping protect and preserve the environment.”
Aside from the mangroves, Isuzu Philippines has also donated forest trees and environmental signages which will serve as reminder to the touring pubic on keeping the islands clean and green. The signages are spread on Governor, Quezon and Children’s Islands.
In his congratulatory message, Mayor Braganza first tendered his warm welcome to the IPC executives and other guests in behalf of a very grateful and peaceful city.
“We come here for a very noble purpose so let me just say this to all of you; As we say here in Alaminos Galila or Come and Join Us, Thank you & Mabuhay, and Domo Arigato (Congratulation) to Isuzu Phils. on its 9th anniversary,” said Braganza.
“Thank you very much to IPC, being the first private corporation that is sponsoring our mangrove development program in the city. This project really means a lot to us and we do hope that we will see you again in the future to continue planting, completing and nurturing the 5-hectare that you have committed to support in our beloved city.”
The Mayor noted that a hectare of mangrove is equal to 1 ton of fish a year and if translated into economics, almost P 10-15 M a year worth of fish a year will be produced once the mangroves have matured or fully grown
And this, according to him, will benefit the marginalized fisherfolks in the city’s ten coastal barangays who mostly rely on the 11,000 hectare of marine ecosystem for food and income. Also, it will further bring down the costs of food especially fish in the future and any excess will be traded outside the city.
Braganza also revealed that hundreds if not thousands of fishermen and city residents are now enjoying the bountiful harvest since his administration strictly implemented the laws against illegal fishing and, setting standards in marine conservation.
“Hopefully, we could continue with our objective to be a good government for our people in the city and in the future contribute to the national development as well,” he added.
The Mayor also thanked anew the Dept. of Tourism, Philippine Tourism Authority, Dept. of Environment and Natural Resources and most especially Her Excellency President Gloria M. Arroyo for giving the city the opportunity to contribute to the promotion and development of the HINP.
He said the city is committed not just to promote &develop the HINP, which was formally turned-over to city government last Sept. 29, 2005, but to conserve, protect and rehabilitate the park as well.
DENR and DOT have continuously supported the city on its programs particularly on the New Zealand Aid program which provided “kayaks” and for marketing the national park as a major eco-tourism destination.
As a gesture of sincere appreciation and gratefulness to the worthy gift of IPC to the city of Alaminos, a certificate of appreciation was awarded to Mr. Komura by Mayor Braganza.
Right after the program, all the guests, volunteers and local officials were ferried to the coastal waters of Brgy. Sabangan. They braved the gutsy winds and heavy rains just to take part in the ceremonial tree planting, unveiling of Isuzu Mangrove Park marker and photo sessions at the commemorative signage installed at the park. (CIO)
More stories at the Alaminos City Government Official website.
