Globe Run4home for disaster victims and endangered species

Globe Telecom helps build safe homes for the vulnerable, both humans and wildlife. Thus, proceeds from its Run4home 2012 annual charity fun run will be donated to four organizations - two of which construct homes for disadvantaged people while the other two work to save indigenous animals from extinction.

For this year, Run4home beneficiaries are Cebu Biodiversity Conservation Foundation (CBCF), Gawad Kalinga, Habitat for Humanity, and Philippine Tarsier Foundation (PTF). Globe Run4home 2012 will be held on March 25 at the Cebu International Convention Center.

“Climate change threatens human habitats and endangered species so we decided that Run4home should fund, not just housing projects of non- government organizations (NGOS) but also environmental conservation. This year, we again partnered with GK and Habitat to rebuild homes for Typhoon Sendong victims in Cagayan de Oro and Iligan. At the same time, we included CBCF and PTF so we can assist in conserving the natural habitats of flower pecker birds in Cebu and tarsiers in Bohol,” said Rob I. Nazal, Globe Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Head.

For 14 years, CBCF which protects rare flora and fauna native to the province, has focused its resources on the study of Cebu’s wide range of biodiversity such as the Cebu Cinnamon, Cebu Flowerpecker and Black Shama. Specifically, it has championed the critically endangered Flowerpecker, now designated as the provincial bird of Cebu, after the Foundation’s research renewed interest in the region’s natural heritage.

Deforestation almost wiped out Cebu Flowerpeckers. They were believed extinct by early 20th century. A few were rediscovered in patches of protected areas 20 years ago. But the latest count in 2005 showed total population stood at only 85-105 individuals.

CBCF studied other terrestrial species from reptiles and flying mammals like bats to herbs and trees. They also piloted a “warden scheme” among the forest occupants that started in Tabunan Forest, an environmentally-sensitive area in the uplands of Cebu City. At present, 14 Forest Stewards serve Tabunan while 23 forest wardens guard the Nug-as Forest in Alcoy, a fishing and quarrying town. The scheme has become a model for other forest conservation areas.

CBCF also coaches communities in areas where rare plants and animals remain so they can eke out a living without destroying the ecosystem and be guardians of their own natural resources over the long-term.

Globe Run4home second beneficiary, 16-year old PTF, maintains a 167-hectare tarsier sanctuary, a research facility and a guest center in Corella, near Tagbilaran City to preserve the last stronghold of the world’s smallest primate.

Bohol’s tarsier numbers plummeted from several thousands to 700 between 1960 to late 1990’s due to habitat destruction, the pet trade, hunting, tourist misinformation and malpractices as well as house cat predation. Given the tarsiers’ territorial nature, each tiny mammal needs one hectare of space. Being nocturnal, tarsiers may commit suicide when disturbed at daytime. They don’t breed in captivity and mate only once a year. Little else is known about tarsiers. Conservationists rated them as Data Deficient and Conservation Dependent.

However, saving the last of these endangered primates cannot prosper without a strong community base, PTF maintained. Tourists should likewise be managed and tarsier habitat should be preserved.

Gawad Kalinga, which was also a Run4home beneficiary last year, is a long-time partner of Globe in its CSR programs. GK has built over 2,000 organized communities for the Filipino poor in 17 years. By creating a culture of caring and sharing in different sectors of society, restoring the dignity and productivity of the poor, GK aims to free 5 million families from poverty by 2024.

GK’S holistic model has been adopted in other developing nations like Cambodia, Indonesia and Papua New Guinea. Its poverty eradication approach consists of community empowerment, community infrastructure, child and youth development, health, environment and food sufficiency.

Habitat for Humanity Philippines (HFHP) has built over 32,000 houses for Filipino families nationwide for nearly 25 years.

This May, HFHP volunteers will construct 200 homes for families affected by the recent typhoons through a simultaneous build activity in Tanza, and in Indahag, Cagayan de Oro as part of its Asia Pacific-wide “Youth Build 2012.” Other flagship programs cover urban renewal, housing for school teachers, firefighters and public servants. “Peace Build” brings together citizens of different faith to construct schools, homes and develop communities.