In a bid to foster environmental sustainability, Robinsons Malls has actively participated in the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Environmental Management Bureau (DENR-EMB) Region 6’s Adopt-an-Estero Program.
The Adopt-an-Estero/Water Body Program is a collaborative effort involving communities living along esteros (estuaries), donor-partners, local government units (LGUs), other government agencies, and the DENR. The initiative aims to clean and maintain estuaries — small water corridors that lead to larger bodies of water — which are crucial in preventing urban flooding by serving as drainage systems.
Recognizing the importance of water conservation, management, and protection, Robinsons Iloilo and Robinsons Jaro readily answered the DENR’s call for volunteer assistance in the Adopt-an-Estero/Water Body Program Clean-Up Activity on March 23, 2024.
The two malls’ participation was enabled in part by RKalikasan, an environmental sustainability program spearheaded by RLove, the CSR arm of Robinsons Land Corporation. RKalikasan focuses on greening projects and volunteerism aimed at mitigating climate change and reducing landfill waste. This program supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals #13 (Climate Action) and #14 (Life Below Water).
Through its adoption of the RKalikasan program, Robinsons Iloilo mobilized employee volunteers for the clean-up drive and donated essential cleaning materials such as rubber gloves, trash liners, and tongs to aid in waste extraction from the estuaries. Led by Mall Operations Manager Julie Ann Urdas, volunteers focused on Iloilo River Esplanade 3 and Iloilo River Esplanade 1 Extension, covering areas from Benigno Aquino Bridge and Skatepark to the middle portion of Esplanade 3. The volunteers documented their efforts with geo-tagged photos and detailed reports on the quantity and weight of the collected waste, which were then submitted to the DENR-EMB.
Employee volunteers spent the morning cleaning up the waterways surrounding Iloilo City Esplanade 3 and Esplanade 1 Extension.
Similarly, Robinsons Jaro demonstrated its commitment to RKalikasan’s thrust of environmental stewardship by mobilizing volunteers and providing cleaning materials. The team gathered early in the morning at the Esplanade Skate Park before proceeding to their assigned cleaning posts on the Iloilo River Esplanade. Their efforts were also meticulously documented and reported to the bureau.
Through their participation in the Adopt-an-Estero Program, Robinsons Iloilo and Robinsons Jaro underscored Robinsons Malls’ commitment to environmental sustainability and community-based collaboration, taking significant steps together toward a cleaner, greener future for Iloilo and beyond.
For more information on Robinsons Malls, visit robinsonsmalls.com
