The SPO volunteers at Sarangani (in green T shirts), including (left to right) Team Leader Joelito Murcillo, Briccio Alilano, Roger Ripalda, Efren Samonte Jr and John Oliver Labordo.

(Photo courtesy: Roger Ripalda)

In July, a team of seafarers from Swire Pacific Offshore ("SPO") visited Sarangani Province in southern Mindanao for a five-day volunteer programme. This is an ongoing partnership programme with Endangered Species International ("ESI") in the Philippines since 2013 which promotes the importance of sustainable development through nature conservation and rehabilitation.

The SPO volunteers began their assignment with a courtesy call on the local Mayor and Officer of the Department of Energy and Natural Resources. In conjunction with the local People's Organisation, they also hosted an informal seminar for residents, to give them an insight into ESI-SPO conservation activities in the area and to share helpful tips on adopting a more sustainable lifestyle – such as the strict waste-segregation methods practiced on board SPO ships. The team then assisted local communities to clear up rubbish along the shoreline in the local barangay (village) areas, collecting around 400 kilograms of plastic garbage, as well as planting a variety of species of mangroves. The volunteers also got a chance to snorkel in the area as part of the reef monitoring process conducted by ESI, appreciate the beauty of the marine ecosystem as well as to see the impact of human activities on the reef.

As a part of SPO's sustainable development strategy, this project aims to help create a resilient environment that will thrive and provide for future generations.