Creating communal value through marine life protection

ACEN’s Guimaras Wind Corporation (GWC) partnered with the Municipality of Dumangas to lead a pioneering coastal project with the goal of rehabilitating over 90 hectares of fish sanctuary and installing over 200 artificial reefs along the Dumangas Strait.

To sustainably cultivate marine biodiversity along the coast of Western Visayas, GWC joined the representatives of the local government in a ceremony last November 16, 2021 to officially commence the project. Present in the event were Mayor Ronaldo Golez, the department heads of Dumangas LGU, the Bantay Dagat coalition, Dumangas Police Station and the Philippine Coast Guard, along with the GWC management team.

Last year, ACEN, the Ayala group’s listed energy platform, signed a memorandum of agreement with the local government to initiate the development of artificial reefs through GWC as a key strategy to enhance coastal fisheries. The manmade reef structures that were installed mimic the qualities of natural reefs to provide shelter and protection for marine creatures in the shallow waters of the strait.

The artificial reefs were installed by workers tapped through the Sustainable Livelihood Program of the Municipal Social Welfare and Development.

The project will also kick off a baseline study to monitor fish yields, conserve biodiversity, and protect corals and seagrasses, with the goal of raising awareness among neighboring municipalities about the importance of marine conservation.

“At ACEN and across our renewable energy portfolio, we always look for opportunities to integrate a stronger sense of environmental awareness, accountability, and stewardship in the communities where we operate,” said Gabino Ramon Mejia, President & CEO of GWC.

Apart from equipping its host community with the tools to live a sustainable lifestyle and achieve socio-economic progress, this sustainability initiative may eventually promote the municipality as an eco-tourism destination.

“The health of the marine biodiversity at our coast is central to the wellbeing of our people. It is in the best interest of our communities that we care for our waters and find sustainable solutions that would benefit all. We are grateful to have brought this artificial reef initiative for sustainable food security and biodiversity to fruition, and we look forward to future projects together with Guimaras Wind Corporation,” said Mayor Golez.

Earlier in 2021, GWC signed a memorandum of agreement to help transform the Katunggan Eco Park in the Municipality of Leganes through the construction of a 120-meter boardwalk, in a commitment to collaborate with the local government to protect the biodiversity in Western Visayas.

Like the rest of the ACEN power plants, GWC continues to work with its stakeholders to create sustainable ecosystems that preserve the environment and create shared value for the communities that it serves.

Learn more about ACEN’s sustainability initiatives at www.acen.com.ph/sustainability.