PLDT and Smart’s social outreach arm, PLDT-Smart Foundation (PSF) rebuilds more disaster-stricken communities across the Philippines, helping raise tourism opportunities.

PSF recently turned over boats to Palina Greenbelt Ecopark, an ecotourism site located at Palina River in Roxas City, Capiz. Managed by the Palina River Development Association, a group of local fisherfolk, the eco-park is famous among tourists for its river cruise and fresh spread of seafood.  

“When we inaugurated this eco-park, aside from witnessing its full recovery from the destruction of super typhoon Yolanda a decade ago, we also saw how beautiful it is. We want to share this experience with other tourists by enabling the Palina River Development Association to provide the best services through our support,” said Esther Santos, President of PSF.

Newly reconstructed ecotourism boats were turned over by PSF to advance ecotourism in the Palina community, and provide additional livelihood opportunities for its residents, including women, to support their families.

“Aside from these boats being a source of income for the people, our support is also driven by the fact that the park also promotes sustainability, which PSF and PLDT champion,” added Santos.

Members of Tulong Kapatid, the consortium of MVP-led organizations, Alagang Kapatid Foundation, Inc. (AKFI) and One Meralco Foundation (OMF) also joined PSF in helping the community of Palina continue its recovery. Super typhoon Yolanda, which made its landfall in November 2013, was one of the strongest tropical cyclones ever recorded, and destroyed 95% of Capiz according to government statistics.

PSF also provided 100 life vests and pocket WiFi devices with load cards for Palina tourism workers and tourists to keep them connected while enjoying their experience at the eco-park. OMF also turned over solar lamps to Palina fisherfolk.

More than 200 fisherfolk depend on the Palina River for their livelihood, and the severe impact of Yolanda (international name:  Haiyan) also destroyed their primary source of income.  One of the locals, Salvacion Dela Cruz, shared their experience during this disaster.

“We had four cabanas when we started but Yolanda destroyed all our facilities. We are thankful to PSF, AKFI, OMF and the rest of Tulong Kapatid for helping us rebuild Palina Greenbelt Ecopark,” shared Dela Cruz.

Capiz is only one of the many provinces where PSF and the rest of Tulong Kapatid are helping rebuild lives and communities through sustainable livelihood opportunities. This is part of the MVP Group’s wider commitment to supporting Filipinos in need, especially in times of disasters. This also contributes to attaining the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly UNSDG #8: Decent Work and Economic Growth.