Palawan is one of the most beautiful islands in the world. But it won’t always remain that way if people don’t protect it. In that light, it is important that people do their part in preserving the natural beauty of amazing travel destinations such as the paradise that is Palawan.
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RCI, the makers of Pioneer Epoxy and its affiliate Pioneer Adhesives Foundation Inc. came together for environmental efforts in Puerto Princesa, Palawan. This includes mangrove planting, reef fixing, and a “bangkarera” c0mpetition for fishermen from all around the Philippines.
Reef Fix
The Reef Fix is part of RCI and PAFI’s motto, “Our Earth. Our Responsibility.” With their partnership with DOST, they are addressing the problem of coral bleaching.
In Tangdol Reef, DOST had reported that 90% of the reefs there suffered from coral bleaching, and many of them are damaged.
PAFI and DOST are using Pioneer EpoxyClay Aqua to restore reefs. Two thousand five hundred (2,500) tubes of these clays were given to the City Government to fix more than 12,500 transplanted coral fragments. They will also be donating buoys with solar powered lights that will be deployed in Tangdol Reef.
“With the support of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), we are partnering with Puerto Princesa City through their City Agricultural Office (CAO) to bring our coral restoration efforts to Palawan. Palawan has such rich biodiversity and we would very much like to take part in its preservation,” Martina Spakowski, PAFI executive director, stated.
Mangrove Planting
Following an environmental effort in Boracay in 2015, we now got a chance to plant mangroves in Brgy. San Jose.
We planted more than 1,200 mangroves seedlings with the help of tourists, locals, government employees, and the media.
These programs are aligned with RCI’s overall mission to spearhead green initiatives to protect and conserve the environment through responsible practices in its business activities. Among RCI’s efforts include developing products that are low in toluene, and conserving power by utilizing solar panels in its Canlubang plant in Laguna.
1st Philippine Bangkarera
“Bangkarera” is the newest competition for fisher folks and boat racing enthusiasts. Held in Baywalk Puerto Princesa, the first Philippine Bangkarera is a three-day event that gathered fishing communities from all over the country.
“The competition will initially serve as fellowship among the fishing communities and also as a kickoff of RCI’s long-term plan to establish sustainable livelihood projects in the future for the fisher folks in the country,” Marie Grace Panganiban, Pioneer Epoxy assistant manager, shared.
Up to Php110,000 were given away to different categories of the Bangkarera.
Here are the winners for Bangkarera:
| POSITION | BOAT DRIVER | NAME IN CHECK | PROVINCE |
| Paddle Boat Category | |||
| 1st Place | AIZA CORPUZ | ROBERTO B. REGALADO | PALAWAN |
| 2nd Place | SAMUEL BASINAG | -AS IS- | PALAWAN |
| 3rd Place | ADELO ANTIPUESTO | ROBERTO B. REGALADO | PALAWAN |
| 7 Horse Power | |||
| 1st Place | WESLEY NOEL | -AS IS- | CEBU |
| 2nd Place | NATHAN SUALOG | -AS IS- | BORACAY |
| 3rd Place | ROSELIO AMADOR | -AS IS- | PALAWAN |
| 16 Horse Power | |||
| 1st Place | NATHAN SUALOG | -AS IS- | BORACAY |
| 2nd Place | ANNA LIZA CAMON | -AS IS- | NEGOS OCCIDENTAL |
| 3rd Place | NATHAN SUALOG | -AS IS- | BORACAY |
It is truly inspiring to see communities that make the conscious effort to protect and care for the environment. Tell us, how do you take part in environmental conservation? Share your thoughts in the comments.
