Philippine low-cost carrier Cebu Pacific formally turned over at least 10,000 mangroves to the Tapon Fisherfolk Association and the local government of Dumanjug in Cebu province on Friday, 12th July.
In a statement released concurrently with the turnover, airline vice-president for corporate strategy and risk officer Aileen Isidro said: “We are proud to stand alongside RAFI and the Tapon Fisherfolk Association as we work to restore and protect our coastlines. These efforts help preserve biodiversity, strengthen community resilience, and secure livelihood for future generations.”
Turning over the site to the Association is the airline’s way of supporting the fisherfolk's livelihood whilst enhancing coastal protection.
What came before
The airline has been maintaining the mangrove conservation site since 2023 as part of its ongoing sustainability measures.
The original tree planting project on the site was a joint effort of Cebu Pacific employees, the local government, Association members, as well as the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc (RAFI).
The site was previously under the care of RAFI, but the airline came in via a three-year partnership to take care of the mangrove site and offer livelihood support to the local fisherfolk.
To date, more than five hectares of coastline have been restored, and 35 members of the Tapon Fisherfolks Association have received training in seedling propagation, site preparation, and mangrove planting.
The association will now take the lead in maintaining and monitoring the mangrove sites.
