The Philippines has been tagged the world’s third worst plastic polluter of oceans. The study by Ocean Conservancy and McKinsey Center for Business and Environment revealed we generate 2.7 million metric tons of plastic garbage per year, 20 percent of which ends up in the ocean.
This incident is largely caused by inefficient waste disposal in the country and poor awareness of the problem, hence World Wide Fund for Nature Philippines, has been closely involved in coastal cleanups and other initiatives around the country to instill in Filipinos the importance of tackling this issue.
On its 11th landmark year, Hamilo Coast and WWF-Philippines’ partnership now stands firmly on environmental programs aimed at not just ending plastic pollution but also at preserving its surrounding nature.
Hamilo Coast, with the help of the environmental group, has gone way beyond annual coastal cleanups and has carefully practiced sustainability within its day to day operations.
Warriors of the waters
Acknowledging that everything that happens on the ridge has a direct effect on the reef, WWF-Philippines and Hamilo Coast continue to implement programs for its Ridge to Reef Management.
Programs include the declaration of the premier beach resort town’s three coves into Marine Protected Areas, namely Pico de Loro and Etayo coves, and Hamilo Coast’s main marine sanctuary, Santelmo Cove, where giant clams are being cultivated and a vibrant marine life thrives.
Ongoing projects to protect coastal and terrestrial resources include mangrove reforestation, pawikan conservation, marine mammal rescue, and reef monitoring.
From solid waste to zero waste
With efforts to keep the property and surroundings clean and green, WWF-Philippines developed a solid waste management plan for Pico de Loro Cove, including a vermicomposting site.
Early this year, Pico de Loro Beach and Country Club and Pico Sands Hotel modified a few of its operations to become more environment friendly.
Plastics used in the said properties have been replaced with paper straws and cups, good grade stirrers, and takeaway packs, which is expected to eradicate the dumping of non-biodegradable waste of 180,000 plastic straws and 27,000 plastic stirrers annually.
The club and hotel also partnered with WWF-Philippines in implementing a food waste management system, an initiative intended to urge staff, members, and guests to be more conscious about food resources and waste. With leftover rice noted as one of the highest food waste contributor in the property, the restaurants’ menus now offer rice separately, while also considering diners who are non-rice eaters.
A campaign to encourage guests to only get the food they can consume in a buffet was also launched in the middle of the year.
In addition, water quality is regularly tested and monitored while waste water from different locators within Pico de Loro Cove are processed and recycled to keep the lush landscapes clean and green.
In harmony with nature
Green building strategies were carefully considered in Pico de Loro Cove’s latest luxury beach condominium development, Freia.
The mid-rise contemporary tropical condominium building, which offers a spectacular panorama of the sea and verdant mountains, takes pride on its features that allow sustainable green living.
It also takes into account cost-efficient operations. For instance, natural lighting and ventilation was considered in the building design, and solar energy will be used for certain common areas.
An efficient waste management system is being put into place to ensure reduced carbon footprints on the part of the residential community.
Hamilo Coast has long been championing sustainable practices through luxury seaside living at par with environmental awareness. Achievements and recognitions include Bronze Benchmark Status from Earth Check in 2015 and 2017 and exemplary practice on solid waste management given by the Department of Natural Resource’s Annual Environmental Summit in 2017.
