MANILA, MAY 20, 2013 – ABS-CBN is partnering with the Department of Tourism (DOT), Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau (DENR-PAWB) represented by Secretary Ramon Paje, Department of Agriculture (DA) represented by Secretary Proceso Alcala, and the Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU), in launching Bantay Kalikasan’s ‘Green Initiative’.
‘Green Initiative’ is a joint program involving ABS-CBN Foundation Incorporated’s (AFI) Bantay Kalikasan, the government, media, and academe. It seeks to protect and nourish the country’s natural biodiversity, while alleviating poverty and enriching the lives of people through various livelihood projects.
Under the MOA, each signatory is to implement strategies that are geared towards improving the quality of life in the grassroots. The DOT, for its part, is tasked to facilitate the investment of tourism infrastructure and complementary facilities through convergence projects with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), paving the way for more tourism opportunities.
ABS-CBN steps in to manage and ensure the media exposure of projects, with the support of Miss Earth Foundation in public relations and marketing aspects.
“My conviction is that we would not only alleviate poverty but also drive in a new paradigm of thinking, one that benefits the environment and the community,” ABS-CBN Foundation managing director Gina Lopez said.
“The Philippines is uniquely positioned to lead the way, and the DOT remains supportive of programs such as the Green Initiative. With the protection of the environment as one of the major thrusts of tourism, our role in DOT is to generate positive awareness and create demand for these ecotourism destinations. Through convergence programs with partner agencies and private sector, we are working very hard so that infrastructure is built to ensure seamless travel and that sustainable practices are implemented in these areas,” Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez, Jr. shared.
(Photo: Philstar.com)
