MANILA, PHILIPPINES — The Philippines has one of the world’s richest marine biodiversity centers, yet it is losing its greatest treasure due to plastic pollution. Canned tuna brand Century Tuna puts a spotlight on this urgent concern as it launches the “Saving Our Seas” initiative.
The program aims to raise awareness of the significance of marine conservation as well as the importance of the involvement of consumers in the fight against plastic pollution and how they can be part of the solution.
talks about the Saving Our Seas Initiative
Carlo Endaya, Vice President and General Manager of Branded Tuna Business, Century Pacific Food Inc., said, “Plastic pollution is one of the most pressing environmental issues we have today and as part of Century Tuna’s mission to give back to our planet and our seas, we will be launching the ‘Saving Our Seas’ initiative to help the fight against plastic pollution, especially in our Philippine Seas. Let’s make a huge difference for our beaches and continue to enjoy the marine resources we need.”
The initiative started through a Beach and Reef Clean-up activity in several areas in Mabini, Batangas, and was joined by Century Tuna Ambassador Alden Richards and Superbods winners and finalists together with volunteers from the community.
“I am so honored to be part of Century Tuna’s ‘Saving Our Seas’ initiative and I totally support this project as I believe that we are all connected to nature. We can only remain healthy if we have a healthy environment. It is our responsibility to protect and save our seas,” said Alden.
Century Tuna’s “Saving Our Seas” initiative is also in partnership with HOPE’s Aling Tindera Waste-to-Cash Program where people in the community can collect their plastic waste and exchange it for cash. Through the Saving Our Seas initiative, Century Tuna reinforces the concept of Plastic Circular Economy–where all plastics collected and recycled are diverted away from nature to ensure that they won’t leak back into the open environment. This is done by bringing it to processors which turn them into something useful and can be used again by the people.
Along the shoreline of Mabini, Batangas, 11 key areas were already deployed with the Aling Tindera waste bins, where people can drop their plastic and convert their trash into cash. Overall, Century Tuna’s Saving Our Seas initiative is aiming to collect at least 10 metric tons of plastics for its pilot year.
“We are so very excited to partner with Century Tuna for the ‘Saving Our Seas’ initiative. This campaign will help grow awareness and encourage more people to join the fight against plastic pollution,” said Friends of HOPE Managing Director Ilusion Farias. “We hope Filipinos will take this opportunity to exchange their waste for cash and save our seas at the same time.”
The launch of the “Saving Our Seas” initiative also coincided with the celebration of Earth Hour, the world’s largest grassroots movement for the environment, on March 25.
