In an incredible display of unity and commitment to environmental stewardship, Okada Manila, the leading Forbes Travel Guide 5-Star rated integrated resort in Asia, partnered with the City Government of Parañaque to conduct a coastal cleanup drive on Sept. 15, 2023, in celebration of the World Cleanup Month.
This initiative, dubbed "Bayanihan Clean-Up Drive Para sa Kalikasan," showcased the unwavering Bayanihan spirit and the power of community service with an inspiring turnout of over a thousand volunteers.
Esteemed organizations joined the remarkable feat, including the International Coastal Cleanup (ICC), the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), the Philippine National Police (PNP), the Philippine Marine Corps (PMC), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFT), Paranaque’s City Environment and Natural Resources Officer (CENRO), and Paranaque’s Cleanliness Beautification and Sanitation (CBS).
"Our participation in this coastal cleanup and donation drive reflects our unwavering commitment to environmental sustainability and community welfare. The overwhelming support and dedication shown by our Okada Manila team members exemplify the spirit of Bayanihan, and together, we are making a meaningful impact on our planet and in our community,” Okada Manila President and Chief Operating Officer Byron Yip said.
Volunteers, including Okada Manila team members, rallied together for a common cause of environmental protection. CENRO deployed 80 swimmers to aid in the cleanup, while Okada Manila contributed eight bangkas, and PMC provided rubber boats to facilitate the operation.
The results of their collective efforts were astounding with CENRO recording a staggering 19 tons of trash removed from the coastal area, including plastics, rubbers, styrofoam, tree branches, and driftwood. Waste segregation was meticulously carried out to ensure the responsible disposal of collected debris.
"This coastal cleanup serves not only the community but also our cherished Mother Earth. It is my aspiration that this endeavor has instilled in us a profound awareness and an unwavering sense of responsibility. Let us commit to the principle of cleaning up after ourselves. On behalf of Okada Management, we extend our heartfelt appreciation to the dedicated volunteers volunteers for their invaluable contribution to our community,” Okada Manila Chief Security Officer Retired General Debold Sinas said.
As part of the program, Okada Manila also held a donation drive for the community. A total of 102 boxes filled with assorted items such as linens, towels, and traveling luggage were gathered. These goods will be distributed to street sweepers and cleanup swimmers, acknowledging their invaluable contribution to our communities.
"As a staunch advocate of environmental sustainability, I believe that the urgency to eradicate plastic is undeniable. I express profound gratitude for the dedicated endeavors of Okada Manila and our esteemed agency partners. While, the process of reversing the decades — even centuries — of neglect starts at a personal level, it is necessary for all of us to band together to make a bigger difference to our environment,” Aileen Olivarez, First Lady of the City of Paranaque and environmental advocate, said.
As a responsible corporate citizen, Okada Manila remains steadfast in its commitment to environmental sustainability and community development. Through initiatives like the "Bayanihan Clean-Up Drive Para sa Kalikasan," Okada Manila strives to leave a lasting positive impact on the environment and the lives of those we serve.