GNPower Dinginin Ltd. Co. (GNPD) signed a three-year agreement worth P4.3M last July 25, 2023, with the Provincial Government of Bataan, PGENRO, and the Sagip Pawikan Foundation to adopt the local pawikan hatchery at Sitio Fuerte, Brgy. Poblacion, Morong, Bataan.
Symbolically held at the heart of the province, The Bunker at Balanga, Bataan, the memorandum of agreement marked the beginning of the company’s flagship program of nurturing the pawikans in the province, which serves as the home to three out of five identified species in the country: olive ridley, hawksbill, and green turtles. This was further emphasized by Arcel Madrid, AVP for Community Relations, in his opening remarks, “Now more than ever, we need to strengthen our commitment to protecting the magnificent pawikans to ensure their longevity.”
“As the largest coal-fired power plant in the Philippines, we are also eager to participate in environmental programs like this hatchery adoption, so we can not only prevent the extinction of pawikans, but to also teach the community about their importance,” Madrid added.
Meanwhile, Gov. Jose Enrique S. Garcia III shared how pawikans contribute to our seas. “Ang pagkakaroon ng mga pawikan ay senyales ng magandang estado ng karagatan [in the province of Bataan].” Furthermore, he also mentioned how the species booststhe economy, as it has now become a tourist attraction in the province.
Garcia also pondered on why the pawikans became endangered in the past, citing poaching and smuggling as one of the main reasons. As such, these conservation projects that aim to restore their population are highly essential. “We would also like to extend our gratitude to GNPower Dinginin, for the partnership, opportunity, technical assistance, resources, and financial support to make the project possible,” Garcia concluded.
Also present at the event was Dennis B. Jordan, president and CEO of GNPD, who expressed his appreciation to GNPD, Sitio Fuerte Sagip Pawikan Association, and the Provincial Government of Bataan for their efforts to preserve the pawikans. “It’s both an honor and a marvel to be on the frontlines of a company that is passionate, committed, and proactive in maintaining and protecting the hatchery areas of our pawikans,” Jordan expressed.
“GNPD is very serious in these matters, especially those that fall into the letter P of their PROGRESS Project: Protect Marine Life. These programs display our unfaltering dedication in helping the province of Bataan, and it’s rewarding to see it all bear fruit,” Jordan added.
This project brings to life one of GNPD’s focuses under the P.R.O.G.R.E.S.S. Project – to Protect Marine Life. Research affirms that pawikans play a vital role in keeping the oceans healthy and safe for other species. They feed seagrass beds and coral reefs that serve as a natural habitat for many marine species and transport nutrients and energy within and between these habitats.
GNPD is committed to continuously creating sustainable and reliable environmental and social development programs relevant to nurturing and supporting our community and environment to co create positive change and empower progress.