Listed natural resources development firm Nickel Asia Corp. (NAC) is holding its first-ever sustainability fun run on July 23, with the proceeds supporting mangrove restoration in Hagonoy, Bulacan province.
The run will have three legs to be held simultaneously in three different locations nationwide–the SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City, the Balayong People’s Park in Puerto Princesa City, and the City Hall grounds in Surigao City.
“NAC’s first-ever fun run puts premium on the importance of collaboration towards a sustainable future. We are the first company with interests in mining to stage an event such as this, and we are proud to trailblaze such initiatives,” said Jose Bayani Baylon, NAC senior vice president for sustainability, risk management, corporate affairs and communications.
“We are aiming to attract 3,500 finishers, and for each one, we are committing to plant 15 mangrove trees in support of the mangrove rehabilitation in Hagonoy, Bulacan. This is outside and in addition to our Group’s mandatory rehabilitation and reforestation programs,” he added.
In partnership with nongovernment organization Fostering Education and Environment for Development Inc. (FEED), NAC will achieve a number of objectives in line with its ESG Roadmap namely: 1. (Social Goal 1) Promote Good Health and Well Being not only of its employees but also of other stakeholders and the general public; 2. Contribute to Environmental goals of (Environment Goal 1) Net Zero Carbon and (Environment Goal 2) Biodiversity Protection; and 3. Increase awareness and foster participation of stakeholders in NAC’s sustainability journey.
Participants may choose to run distances at 3k, 5k, 10k, and 21k. There will also be allotted raffle prizes for participants including a Honda Sundiro S-07 e-bike, Fiido D2s foldable e-bike (in partnership with Popcycle Ebike Center), Asics sustainable running shoes, and 32-ounce Aquaflask bottles.
“Through this event, we want to deepen our relationship with our stakeholders. Our commitment to environmental protection, safety, and health is something we take to heart. Our aim is not only to embed environmental stewardship into our culture and our workforce, but also to educate our stakeholders about responsible mining and sustainability,” said NAC president and chief executive Martin Antonio Zamora.
The mangrove restoration project in Hagonoy, Bulacan will help address the consistent flooding in the community and support the livelihood of fisherfolk given that 90 percent of the residents are dependent on fishing.
NAC’s initiative will be part of FEED’s five-year plan to grow at least 100,000 mangroves in the mangrove protected site of Hagonoy at roughly 10 hectares. As of June 2023, FEED had planted close to 25,000 mangroves through the support of private individuals.
NAC, for its part, is targeting to plant between 15,000 and 50,000 mangroves through the event.
The sustainability run is part of NAC’s 15th year anniversary celebration. The NAC15 initiative is a year-round celebration of all of NAC’s milestones and accomplishments, with the theme “Sustainable Together, Sustainable Forever.”
