Stories of inspiration
Promoting Sustainable Development in Tagbilaran
Dec 23, 2021
From the years 2006 to 2012, PSFI has been working with communities in Tagbilaran, implementing projects that adhere to sustainable development goals relevant to the 14 barangays in the area. Now, almost ten years later, the Foundation saw the need to reintroduce programs and projects to address new challenges within the community. As a continuation from its past efforts, the Foundation now has a total of 15 barangays as beneficiaries.
Tagbilaran City has a clear mission: to enhance sustainable and inclusive socio-economic growth and build a resilient community. PSFI aims to continue supporting this goal as one of the country’s partners in nation building. While previous programs have been successfully implemented in Tagbilaran, PSFI is dedicated to continuing this progress and promoting sustainable development in this community. Some of the new programs and projects have recently commenced, and PSFI is proud to finally share them.
PSFI and Tagbilaran City LGU signs Memorandum of Agreement
PSFI and the Tagbilaran City LGU officially strengthened their partnership by signing a memorandum of agreement on September 9, 2021. The agreement marked the start of projects to be implemented within the City under the PSFI Tagbilaran Sustainable Development Program.
The agreement will make way for various programs—including livelihood and environmental interventions—through the fervent collaboration of both parties.
On behalf of the Tagbilaran City LGU, Mayor John Geesnell Yap II expressed gratitude towards the Foundation for their continued support in achieving their goal: “We, the city government of Tagbilaran, recognize the need to strengthen its socioeconomic sector while remaining true in protecting our environment. That is why we are grateful to PSFI for initiatives that will elevate the livelihood opportunities of our constituents, and also ensure road safety and disaster risk reduction management in the city.“
Mangrove Conservation Project in Barangay Taloto
To celebrate the Month of the Ocean, PSFI and the Tagbilaran City LGU facilitated a mangrove planting activity in barangay Taloto in May this year. Together with various volunteers, the project successfully planted 1,000 mangroves in the coastal area. This activity aims to strengthen the city’s protection against coastal risks and enrich the local eco-tourism in the local areas.
On top of the safety it provides and its positive effects towards the ecosystem, the 1,000 mangroves planted in barangay Taloto also provides livelihood opportunities to the locals of Tagbilaran.
A total of 38 people took part in the implementation of the project.
Strengthening Solid Waste Management in Tagbilaran
A series of activities took place last October 7 to strengthen Tagbilaran City’s solid waste management. With the city creating a mandate for Material Recovery Facilities (MRF) in each barangay, PSFI together with Tagbilaran City LGU, The City Environment & Natural Resources Office (CENRO), and Delca Systems Technology conducted seminars, installed material recovery facilities, and facilitated composting training for barangays.
Delca System Technology’s Managing Director spearheaded the 2-hour training on composting. The company also used their bio-solution and further explained and demonstrated how the solution helps with the composting process. Once the seminars were completed the program was fully turned over to the members of each barangay, signifying a strong partnership between the LGU, CENRO, and the Foundation.
This set of activities aims to support the City’s solid waste management policies and educate citizens on composting practices.
Additionally, this promotes collaboration between 15 barangays in Tagbilaran City in taking action to become more environmentally sustainable.
Promoting Road Safety Through BiyaHero
BiyaHero is PSFI’s road safety campaign with the goal of educating drivers and motorists to make the roads safer across the country. In partnership with the Tagbilaran City Traffic Management Office and Automobile Association Philippines, PSFI launched a BiyaHero training in the City, implemented in an innovative hybrid (virtual and physical) space for motorists.
The program aims to support Tagbilaran City’s goal of reducing motorcycle violations and incidents, as well as raise awareness on road safety and establish road safety leaders within the local community.
Previous projects in Tagbilaran include SKIL (Sanayan sa Kakayahang Industriyal) as well as Science HS for NXplorers, which both supported education and employment of scholars. Furthermore, projects also included Shell LiveWIRE Acceleration which provided livelihood opportunities, and PSFI’s road safety campaign BiyaHERO (Be-a-Hero), and various environmental projects.
Much like their predecessors, the recent projects contribute to the four thematic areas PSFI has identified to be relevant in Tagbilaran City: environment, education, livelihood, and health and safety.
Together with Tagbilaran City LGU, PSFI hopes to further empower the local communities. Consistently addressing and identifying the needs of the people, the sustainable development goals aren’t far from becoming reality.
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