Globe’s myBusiness leads campaign on marine biodiversity in Siargao

FOLLOWING its participation in the recent rehabilitation efforts on Boracay Island, Globe Telecom led an awareness campaign on Marine Biodoversity Conservation on Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte, which is dubbed as the surfing mecca of the Philippines.

This was done through Globe myBusiness, which cater s to the business needs of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), in partnership with Save Philippine Seas (SPS), an independent nongovernment, nonprofit organization that aims to protect the country’s rich marine resources.

Stakeholders—including 30 business owners and a representative from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)—attended the one-and-a-half day marine biodiversity workshop to discuss best practices on sustainability and biodiversity.

“This program of Globe about Marine Biodiversity and Sustainable Business Practices is a big help to the municipality of General Luna. The program serves as a tool to give proper education and awareness to every household and every barangay in order to solve our solid waste management problem,” said Jose Wilbert L. Gorgonio, Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Officer, General Luna.

“I would like to appeal to the local community and all business establishments here in General Luna that we help each other and work together for the success of our environment-conservation efforts for the prosperity and progress of our own municipality,” Gorgonio added.

While the island is very progressive and has become a booming tourist destination, Siargao is not yet too commercialized, thus, an early intervention is ideal to avoid the pitfalls that Boracay had encountered.

Several establishments in Siargao’s capital of General Luna are working together to create a better sustainable development, making it one of the best places to start the awareness campaign.

Harana Surf Resort, for instance, gave a commitment through its general manager, Veda Alcos, that, while the establishment is not yet fully plastic-free, “we are aiming to be one very soon.”

The Philippines is considered as one of the 25 biodiversity hot spots in the world but it is also the third-largest polluter of plastic into the ocean, according to Earth Day Network, prompting Globe myBusiness to help address the situation.

“We want to help combat this growing concern on marine litter. Through the workshop, we were able to inform and influence business stakeholders that this advocacy on marine conservation and the problem on plastic litter is everyone’s responsibility. They have a big role in this endeavor and that, together, they can create huge positive social impact,” said Derrick Heng, senior adviser for Globe myBusiness.

During the workshop, Globe myBusiness and SPS shared tips on how to integrate sustainable best practices into day-to-day operations of businesses. These include the use of eco bags, reusable eating utensils, refillable containers and the reuse of printed tarps and signage.

The business owners were also requested not to use sand, seashells, corals and sea stars as decorations, as well as avoid balloons and lantern releases.

At the same time, Globe myBusiness, being a trusted business partner of MSMEs, gave participants a sneak peek into its Lakbay sesssion by providing them with useful information on how they can use technology to run their businesses more efficiently in order to provide the best experience to their customers.

“We have prepared a portfolio of business solutions to give them the competitive advantage to improve efficiency and productivity, reduce cost and further grow their business so that they can focus on what matters most—the customers,” said Mitch Peralta, head for Marketing for Tourism of Globe myBusiness.

Among the solutions being offered by Globe myBusiness are Wi-Fi connectivity, digital advertising, web site creation, auto SMS blast, digitized forms and a personalized loyalty program.

Globe Telecom has committed to contribute to UN Sustainable Development Goals, which include Sustainable Cities and Communities, Responsible Production and Consumption and Life Below Water.