MPIF, Alaminos City Launch Project RESHORE for Coastal Communities

ALAMINOS, Pangasinan, Philippines — The Metro Pacific Investments Foundation (MPIF) and the city government of Alaminos recently launched Project RESHORE to strengthen vulnerable coastal communities. The MPIF is the social development arm of Metro Pacific Investments Corp. Project RESHORE, or Resilient Ecosystem and Sustainable Habitats through Organized Restoration and Employment, is a community-led initiative that combines livelihood support and environmental restoration. The partnership was formalized through the signing of a memorandum of agreement between MPIF president Melody del Rosario and Mayor Arth Bryan Celeste. The project tapped 30 qualified small-scale fisherfolk and residents from at-risk coastal households, who will restore a 2.19-hectare damaged portion of the Bued Mangrove Eco-Park. During the launch, essential tools, equipment and safety gear were distributed to volunteers, who underwent a capacity-building and training seminar on Aug. 26. Implemented under MPIF’s Gabay Kabuhayan, Project RESHORE is a climate-resilient cash-for-work initiative recognized by the Department of Social Welfare and Development. During the signing of the agreement, Celeste reaffirmed the city’s commitment to protecting its coastal resources and welcomed the continued partnership with MPIF. Del Rosario said the project, which will run until Oct. 31, is another milestone in the MPIF’s continuing partnership with Alaminos. She said the project is an opportunity to bring livelihood and mangrove restoration efforts to other areas in Pangasinan.