JG Summit Olefins Corporation (JGSOC) and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources have extended their partnership for the continued preservation and rehabilitation of a significant portion of wetlands in the world-famous Boracay Island.
The partnership renewal was formalized with the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement on November 16, 2023. Under the terms of the new MOA, JGSOC will continue its stewardship of Boracay Wetland No. 8, a 1.8-hectare swamp and marshland located in Barangay Manoc-Manoc, Aklan, for another three years. The company’s other main responsibilities will include the maintenance of the project’s tree nursery, the organization of regular tree-planting activities, the repair and reinforcement of existing perimeter fences, and the installation of markers and signage about the importance and benefits of wetlands on the environment.
For its part, the DENR is tasked with the formulation and implementation of a wetland management plan, the monitoring and assessment of the rehabilitation's progress, the development and implementation of a sustainability plan, and the improvement and monitoring of water quality in the area, among others. It will also be responsible for clearing Wetland No. 8 from illegal structures, occupants, and claimants to enable JGSOC to undertake its rehabilitation and development activities under the MOA.
The DENR and JGSOC originally began working together on the rehabilitation of Wetland No. 8 on March 7, 2019. Their collaboration was in response to Presidential Proclamation No. 475 and Executive Order No. 53 (S. 2018), which were both directed at reversing the alarming degradation of Boracay Island at the time. Under their original agreement, both parties recognized the importance of the sharing of duties and responsibilities for the common goal of conservation, protection, enhancement, and rehabilitation of the biodiversity and natural ecosystems of the island. These are set to continue under the renewed partnership.
Among the most recent activities held under the new MOA were the clean-up drive and sponsorship of an essay-writing contest earlier this month as part of the observation of World Wetlands Day 2024.
On February 2, 2024, JGSOC spearheaded a clean-up drive in Wetland 8, in which 80 volunteers took part. Starting at 6 a.m., participants from the Provincial Environmental Monitoring team, Manocmanoc National High School, Malay Environmental Monitoring team, DENR- City Environment and Natural Resources Office (Boracay), Bureau of Fire Protection, and the Philippine National Police collected 54 sacks of trash weighing approximately 1.5 tons of trash.
Later that day, 14 students from Manocmanoc National High School, Boracay National High School, and Lamberto H. Tirol National High School gathered at the DENR-CENRO office to join an essay-writing contest sponsored in part by JGSOC.
In their essays, the students communicated how wetlands play a crucial role in the environment due to their diverse functions. They support a wide range of plant and animal species, contributing to biodiversity. Wetlands act as natural filters, purifying water and maintaining its quality in rivers, lakes, and groundwater reservoirs. They also serve as buffers against floods, mitigating damage by absorbing and storing excess water.
Crucially, with regard to climate change, wetlands help regulate the climate by storing carbon dioxide and reducing greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. Coastal wetlands, like mangroves and salt marshes, protect against erosion and storm surges while providing habitats for marine life. Moreover, wetlands offer recreational opportunities and have cultural significance for many communities worldwide, making their conservation and restoration essential for ecological, economic, and societal well-being.
With their joint efforts, JG Summit Olefins Corporation and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources are forging a sustainable future for Boracay Island's precious and irreplaceable wetlands, ensuring their protection and vitality for generations to come.
For more information on JG Summit Olefins Corporation visit jgspetrochem.com
