Apart from the upcoming construction of a multi-billion peso bridge linking the town of Cordova to Cebu City, an 8.5-kilometer distance over deep seas, the Metro Pacific Tollways Corp. (MPTC) has likewise been busy with its numerous marine environmental projects situated nationwide.
Through “Shore It Up!” (SIU), MPIC’s environmental awareness initiative, SIU led the groundbreaking ceremonies for the mangrove propagation and information center in Barangay Day-as, Cordova. Other participating stakeholders included the Acciona Construccion from Spain, First Balfour, the Cebu Cordova Link Expressway (CCLEX), and the D. M. Consunji Inc.
As noted by Cordova Mayor Mary Therese Sitoy-Cho, mangroves constitute an important part of Cordova as it protects the natural environment from destructive elements, while also housing housing food for the fish.
“This marks only the third center of its kind in the Philippines. The other two are stationed in Aluminus in Pampanga, and Del Carmen in Siargao. We owe a lot to Metro Pacific for their foresight in the environment,” she added.
Melody del Rosario, president of the Metro Pacific Investments Corp. Foundation, revealed that the Philippine mangrove population is one of the most endemic in the world, hence the company’s concern on the matter.
“Shore it Up undertakes environmental issues in a holistic manner. In order for the ecosystem to work, various marine and coastal support must be sustained with livelihood programs and proper education on environmental awareness,” del Rosario pointed out.
She also cited that their 800 hectares of safeguarding has been fruitful, having a survival rate of 85 percent. Each of the 42 boat operators earn around PhP30,000 monthly – income gathered from fees, fines, and other sources. Additional income from locals comes from the 72 homestay accommodations that have also been established.

A decade of Shore It Up
Rodrigo Franco, president and MPIC CEO, declared that actual Cordova-Cebu bridge construction would start in June 2018 – a project that has suffered delays in procuring the necessary materials, the screening process, and other matters.
“The bridge will go a long way in improving the lives of the people in the region – more so when the new airport terminal opens in a couple of months. There will also be more access to opportunities and livelihood projects,” he added.
The event also marked the 10th anniversary of SIU—the country’s longest-running, corporate-backed environment program. SIU is actively involved in the sustainable development and restoration of the ocean’s natural resources by closely working with LGUs of coastal communities in raising environmental awareness, providing alternative livelihood and promoting ecotourism.
 
By RICHARD RAMOS