Hamilo Coast’s CSR program protects local wildlife
‘Our sustainability efforts, in partnership with WWF, have created a positive impact in the Philippine tourism industry.’
Beyond just their top-of-the-line residential amenities that offer stunning natural vistas, Hamilo Coast goes out of its way to present a holistic approach to real estate development. Among their chief goals while expanding their portfolio is nurturing the natural resources in the locations they develop.
Since the year 2007, Costa Del Hamilo, Inc., developer of Hamilo Coast and World Wide Fund for Nature Philippines have been working on critical areas for sustainability — coastal resource management, ridge-to-reef management, solid waste management, mangrove reforestation, the use of renewable energy sources, and environmental awareness.
Hamilo Coast has declared three coves — Pico de Loro, Etayo, and Santelmo — as Marine Protected Areas. This act further safeguards marine life ecosystems, protects threatened and endangered species preserves their habitats, and cultivates marine resources.
For instance, Hamilo Coast has manifested its readiness to take care of olive Ridley sea turtles, making the development its nesting ground. Olive Ridley sea turtles, called for their olive-green color, are known for their heart-shaped shells and are considered among the world’s smallest sea turtles. The females of the species return to the beach they hatched on to spawn or lay their eggs and bury them in sand nests to incubate for 45 to 72 days.
To keep these eggs safe and undisturbed, Hamilo Coast estate personnel install nest cages and monitor these regularly, following the guidelines of the World Wide Fund for Nature Philippines. With nest cages protecting the eggs from predators, their chances for survival significantly rise. These eggs will crack in just a few weeks, and hatchlings will emerge within three to seven days to reach the surface and race toward the ocean.
Franklin M. Bolalin, CDHI assistant vice president for Estate Management and Operations, asserts, “Protecting the turtles is just one of several measures we take to make Hamilo Coast a haven, not just for its residents and guests but also for marine wildlife.”
Bolalin likewise affirms that a majestic and sustainable sanctuary has always been part of Costa del Hamilo’s vision for the Hamilo Coast.
The SM Leisure Resort Residences team in Pico de Loro Cove recently released turtle hatchlings to the ocean. New nest cages were also installed in Santelmo Cove, awaiting the hatchlings’ emergence in the coming weeks. A total of 56 olive Ridley sea turtles have been released as of mid-November 2022 in Hamilo Coast.
Protecting the olive Ridley sea turtles is just one of CDHI›s ways of establishing sustainable practices. In partnership with WWF, CDHI has been expanding and enhancing the scope of its sustainability program as part of a longterm strategic framework in the Hamilo Coast development.
As a result, Hamilo Coast is a recipient of the Longest Sustainability Partner award from the World Wide Fund for Nature Philippines. The recognition inspires it to embrace sustainable tourism and develop its area without compromising the water quality and wildlife in the vicinity.
“Our sustainability efforts, in partnership with WWF, have created a positive impact in the Philippine tourism industry,” Bolalin relates. “We hope to continue encouraging seaside developments in the country to prioritize conserving and protecting our beautiful marine resources.”