Aboitiz Land Inc. of the Aboitiz Group held a groundbreaking ceremony and time capsule laying on May 22, 2024 for the much-anticipated pawikan hatchery at the Seafront Residences in San Juan, Batangas province as part of the company’s contribution to marine conservation and environmental sustainability.
The hatchery is a critical initiative aimed at providing a safe haven for turtle eggs and ensuring the survival of hatchlings. The project is part of a broader strategy by Aboitiz Land to foster environmental stewardship and promote sustainable living practices within its developments.
“At Aboitiz Land, we believe that true progress lies in creating a space where all kinds of lives can thrive, whether it be on land or at sea,” said Erika Maguad-Tibayan, Aboitiz Land senior manager, for marketing and branding
The Seafront Residences and neighboring coastal communities have been actively involved in pawikan protection along the shores of San Juan, Batangas, since the start of the Pawikan Conservation Project in 2018.
Clean-up drives, educational programs, and outreach efforts are conducted regularly to raise awareness about the importance of marine conservation and the role of the pawikans in maintaining the health of the coastal ecosystem.
“One of the most precious things we love about Seafront Residences is its advocacy for Pawikan Conservation. My family and I were drawn to call Seafront our second home specifically because of this amazing endeavor. Let this be an inspiration for us to continue to be of service and care about much more than ourselves,” says resident Kitts Vibar.
Aboitiz Land introduced the pawikan monitoring guide during the event, a comprehensive resource for the care of pawikans and their eggs during the nesting season.
It also unveiled initial plans for an Adopt-A-Hatchery Program within the seaside development, which seeks to encourage the neighborhood to support the establishment and maintenance of the pawikan hatcheries. The program aims to protect and nurture pawikan eggs until they hatch, increasing the chances of survival for these endangered sea turtles.
Headed by Aboitiz Land, the effort involved partnerships with Aboitiz Foundation, the CSR-arm of the Aboitiz Group, Seafront Residences vecinos or homeowners, University of the Philippines Diliman Institute of Environmental Science and Meteorology, San Juan Municipal Environment and Natural Resource Office (MENRO), Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary (PCGA), and Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).
The conservation efforts at Seafront Residences are poised to make a significant impact on the local environment and serve as a model for other coastal communities.