Biodiversity offset site launched in Bulacan

SAN Miguel Aerocity Inc. (SMAI), a subsidiary of San Miguel Corp. (SMC), has inaugurated its Saribuhay sa Dampalit project in Barangay Pamarawan, Malolos, Bulacan, on Friday morning, Feb. 23, 2024.

This pioneering initiative marks the launch of the Philippines’ first Biodiversity Offset Program (BOP) that is part of the company’s nature-based solutions to building the New Manila International Airport project in Bulacan.

SMAI aims to balance development efforts with environmental preservation, support local livelihoods and address flooding issues in Bulacan’s flood-prone areas.

The pilot BOP site in Barangay Pamarawan covers 40 hectares with plans to expand to 800 hectares of offset sites across various areas.

The launch event was attended by Department of Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga, Undersecretary Juan Miguel Cuna, Undersecretary Augusto de la Peña, Undersecretary Ignatius Rodriguez, Dutch Ambassador Marielle Geraedts and representatives from SMAI.

“The Saribuhay sa Dampalit project is an integrative approach to development that respects and enhances the natural environment alongside our infrastructure objectives,” said SMC President and

Chief Executive Officer Ramon Ang.

“We firmly believe that progress and nature can coexist, benefiting both the ecosystem and the local community. We thank everyone involved — from our partners in government, environmental groups and local community members — for helping make this possible,” the SMC top honcho added.

Adhering to the International Finance Corp. environment and social standards, the

project has provided a rich feeding ground to the visiting migratory birds which has been in record number this time.

Secretary Yulo-Loyzaga noted that this was the first and largest scale biodiversity offset project in the country.

She said the importance of embracing the mitigation hierarchy for net positive infrastructure development, highlighting its importance in building inclusive and resilient communities while protecting biodiversity for future generations.

SMAI’s efforts include a range of scientifically grounded measures to ensure the newly created habitats meet the specific needs of the wildlife they aim to protect. More importantly, the BOP project has engaged local residents affected by the NMIA project, providing employment and raising awareness about the importance of preserving migratory shorebirds.

Cecile Ang, SMAI project director, said: “By involving local residents in our efforts, we’re not just building infrastructure, we are cultivating a community that values and actively contributes to environmental preservation.”

Alejandra Libao, relocated from the airport project site and currently serving as team leader in the offset site, shared how the program has transformed their outlook in life.

“We should love birds. Now we know there are migratory birds. Jobs have been generated in the community that now loves these birds,” said Libao.

Ang is optimistic that the project will extend beyond wildlife protection, potentially turning the area into a prime location for bird-watching, boosting tourism and creating even more opportunities for local communities.