ABS-CBN Lingkod Kapamilya, First Gen tie up for dev’t of 8 ecotourism sites

MANILA, Philippines - Eight Bantay Kalikasan ecotourism sites are set to be developed as First Gen Corp. seals a partnership with ABS-CBN Lingkod Kapamilya Foundation.

First Gen Corp. donated P5 million to fund the development of ecotourism sites in the areas of Balud in Masbate; towns of Pilar, Matnog, Bulusan and Donsol in Sorsogon; Oriental Mindoro, Sibuyan Island in Romblon and Koronadal in South Cotabato.

This is in line with Bantay Kalikasan’s creation of GRassroots Economic Environmental (GREEN) Initiative that envisions to protect and to enrich ecosystems where Filipinos are happy, out of poverty, infused with the right values and genuinely love their country.

The goal of Green Initiative is to conserve the environment while alleviating poverty through securing livelihood and community cohesion and participation.

Specifically, ecotourism development includes establishing bike trails in Jintotolo Island in Masbate, further developing firefly watching activity in Donsol, Sorsogon, putting up eco-trails for forest trekking in Koronodal, South Cotabato and mangrove regeneration and putting up white water kayaking activity in Silonay, Oriental Mindoro.

Livelihood activities include bokashi balls production, organic farming, pili, honey and taro processing, virgin coconut oil production, souvenir making and aquaculture. Enriching the capabilities of the community is also part of Green Initiative’s thrust. Trainings on basic life support, water safety, livelihood management, customer service and culinary will be organized.

Synchronized with First Gen Corporation’s commitment to support community development projects, this endeavor assures that Bantay Kalikasan’s Green Initiative efforts will create sustained job generation/employment, sustained investments, increased income and improved economic performance of local government units.

Bantay Kalikasan takes pride in the success of its oldest ecotourism site in Puerto Princesa, Palawan – Ugong Rock. It is an 18 million-year old rock formation that earned a whooping Php23 Million last year.

For more information, call 4152272 local 4551 or visit www.abs-cbnfoundation.com/bk.