Cebu Pacific launches Juan Effect program
AS Cebu Pacific (CEB) targets to fly 22 million passengers in 2018, the airline integrates sustainable tourism program dubbed as Juan Effect advocating for responsible travel and environmental protection.
The campaign, in partnership with the Department of Tourism (DOT), is a two-pronged program aimed to “engage travelers and local stakeholders to mitigate the environmental impact of tourist arrivals.”
CEB president and chief executive officer Lance Gokongwei in a speech on Tuesday, July 31 at Makati Shangri-La Hotel said the company recognizes sustainable tourism as a key priority for the airline.
“This is a call for all stakeholders to come together, collaborate and cooperate towards concerted efforts, to ensure that the tourism industry progresses sustainably,” Gokongwei said.
CEB Vice President for Marketing and Distribution Candice A. Iyog shared the two-pronged program will penetrate both on national and local levels.
For national level, Juan Effect aims to encourage responsible travel among passengers, and empower everyone to change at least one everyday habit like using eco-friendly utensils daily especially when travelling.
CEB, starting October 1, 2018 will shift to recyclable, eco-friendly utensils for all its flights.
“Part of the Juan Effect program is looking at the way we do things at Cebu Pacific. We want to cut down on our use of nonrecyclable plastic to only what is necessary, and are committed to rolling out more initiatives to help protect our planet and ensure that we operate sustainably,” Gokongwei added.
CEB group mounts about 400 flights daily across 37 domestic and 26 international destinations. Those flights use approximately 18,500 pieces of plastic spoons and forks, plastic cups, and plastic stirrers daily.
On a local level, the program will collaborate with local stakeholders to concerted action for environmental conservation.
The Juan Effect identified Siargao as the pilot area of implementation, wherein the airline together with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, local government units and tourism associations, will work together to implement sustainable tourism action plans.
Iyog shared the local initiatives will start before the peak tourist and surfing season begins in Siargao in September 2018.
“After Siargao, we will implement these to as many as possible local areas but first they have to be willing to be part of the program,” she said in an interview with Sun Star Davao.
Siargao , Surigao del Norte representative Bingo Matugas said one of the major problems in Siargao is waste disposal which is contributed mostly by local tourists.
CEB urges travellers participate in the program by making a “pledge” to change at least one habit daily to mitigate the impact of tourist arrivals on the environment at www. juaneffect.com.