Saving Hatchlings: Empire East Backs Coastal Cleanup and Turtle Release in Naic, Cavite

Event
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14 February 2025
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Summary: Supporting marine conservation, Empire East's Property Development Division (PDD) has partnered with Samahan ng Labac Pawikan Patrollers in conducting a coastal cleanup and releasing sea turtle hatchlings in Barangay Labac, Naic, Cavite, reinforcing its commitment to environmental sustainability through both land and sea.


The Philippines is home to a wealth of marine biodiversity, but preserving it remains an ongoing challenge. Climate change and destructive human activities, such as dynamite fishing, overfishing, and improper waste management, continue to degrade marine ecosystems, putting countless species at risk. Without urgent conservation efforts, these fragile habitats face an uncertain future.


On February 6, 2025, Empire East’s Property Development Division held its first CSR event of the year called “Preserving Coastal Beauty and Protecting Marine Life”. The company collaborated with Samahan ng Labac Pawikan Patrollers (SLPP) in conducting a coastal cleanup and releasing Olive Ridley (Lepidochelys olivacea) sea turtle hatchlings in Barangay Labac in the town of Naic, Cavite.


Importance of cleanups in preserving marine life


Ex-Kap. Roger Bilugan, the head of Samahan ng Labac Pawikan Patrollers, welcoming the participants of coastal cleanup and discussing its significance and impact in the marine ecosystem.


Empire East, as part of its commitment to adhere to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), goes beyond developing homes by supporting various initiatives held by NGOs and the government. Among the 17 SDGs, the company places a strong focus on Climate Action (Goal 13), Life Below Water (Goal 14), and Life on Land (Goal 15) to address pressing ecological concerns. 


PDD executives, group heads, and managers together with SLPP volunteers doing the coastal cleanup.


The event saw active participation from around 28 PDD volunteers from Empire East and 18 members of SLPP. Together, they collected and filled 15 trash bags with waste, contributing to the coastal cleanup efforts.


Beyond benefiting sea turtles, coastal cleanups play a crucial role in protecting the entire marine ecosystem. Removing plastic and other debris creates a healthier environment for sea turtles to nest and hatch safely. Additionally, these efforts help reduce pollution both on land and in the sea, preventing further habitat degradation and supporting the overall health of marine life.


Release of sea turtle hatchlings


Around 50 Olive Ridley Sea Turtles hatchlings ready to be released into the sea.


Preserving sea turtles is a commitment that is particularly crucial in the Philippines. According to the Large Marine Vertebrates Research Institute Philippines, five of the seven sea turtle species native to the Philippines, including the Olive Ridley, are endangered. However, preserving these species comes with significant challenges. Unregulated tourism, habitat degradation, poaching, the illegal harvesting of eggs, and carapace trading all pose serious threats, making conservation efforts even more difficult.


Efforts to conserve marine creatures have been ongoing for over four decades, marked by key milestones such as the establishment of Task Force Pawikan in 1979 and the enactment of the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act of 2001, which provides legal protection for all sea turtle species in the country.


To preserve eggs and protect them from predators, the volunteers of the Samahan ng Labac Pawikan Patrollers roam the shores every night in search of them. The hatchling facility in their area, the Labac Sea Turtle Hatchling, was established in 2014. Since its inception, the hatchery has successfully released thousands of hatchlings into the wild each year, contributing to the conservation and restoration of sea turtle populations in the area.


Empire East President and CEO Anthony Charlemagne C. Yu and Ex-Kap. Roger Bilugan having a discussion.


FVP for Property Development Arminius Madridejos, as part of the department’s commitment to expanding its support for community welfare, said that they plan to continue conducting community programs and initiatives in other SDG areas. 


Through collaborations with various NGOs, Empire East remains committed to sustainability by supporting initiatives that protect and preserve the environment, both on land and water. Beyond developing communities, the company actively supports the efforts of environmental organizations like the Samahan ng Labac Pawikan Patrollers. This commitment underscores the company’s dedication to building not just homes, but also a future where modern living coexists with environmental responsibility.


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