In an inspiring display of environmental commitment, The Best Western Ivywall Resort – Panglao recently hosted the 2023 International Coastal Cleanup on the Alona Beach on September 16. The event garnered an impressive turnout, with 454 dedicated volunteers joining forces from various sectors, including local government units and the private sector. This annual initiative, aimed at preserving the natural beauty of Bohol, showcases the resort’s dedication to its coastal surroundings.
While the sea may not belong to any one of us, the entire planet does. Let’s take action to safeguard it! Let’s unite towards a shared objective of ensuring a clean and healthy ocean, free from litter.
Doer Escoto
General Manager, The Bestwestern Ivywall Resort – Panglao
Volunteers during the International Coastal Cleanup at the Ivywall Panglao. (PHOTO BY: JAMES AMISTAD)
Boholana Beauty Queen’s Marine Life Advocacy
Pauline Amelinckx takes the lead during the ICC as Bohol’s beloved beauty queen. (PHOTO BY: JAMES AMISTAD)
The coastal cleanup at Ivywall Resort was graced by the presence of Boholana Beauty Queen, Pauline Amelinckx, who holds the title of Miss Supranational Philippines 2023, and Mister Supranational Philippines 2023, Johannes Rissler. Pauline’s involvement stems from her long-standing advocacy for marine life conservation, dating back to her visits to the country’s island communities in 2018. During these visits, she introduced marine-themed educational drawing books designed specifically for children. Her mission is to instill a sense of responsibility among the youth toward preserving marine life in their local areas.
As part of the resort’s environmental initiative, Pauline Amelinckx, accompanied by Johannes Rissler and their circle of friends, actively immersed themselves in free diving, contributing significantly to the success of the cleanup. Ivywall Resort’s mission was to ensure a comprehensive and thorough removal of underwater debris.
The post-event data analysis revealed the substantial impact of this endeavor. Volunteers diligently cleaned the extensive expanse of Alona Beach, with the most commonly retrieved items being plastic water bottles and alcoholic beverage containers. Notably, the heaviest categories of collected waste included bottles at 76.7 kg, assorted garbage at 40.5 kg, and plastic bottles at 25.1 kg.
A Vision for Sustained Involvement
Volunteers across various groups gather for this year’s ICC. (CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)
Looking ahead, Diana Christy Tamayo-Iñigo, currently in a management trainee role at the resort, shared her vision for the future. She emphasized that the success of this initiative has inspired her team to plan beach cleanups not only as an annual event but also on a quarterly basis. This strategic move aims to encourage continuous involvement from the local Boholano residents, tourists, and other resorts in the area, fostering environmental conservation and awareness.
The resort’s general manager, Doer Escoto, underscored the significance of preserving our planet for the benefit of future generations. He stated, “While the sea may not belong to any one of us, the entire planet does. Let’s take action to safeguard it! Let’s unite towards a shared objective of ensuring a clean and healthy ocean, free from litter.” This demonstrates that the resort’s efforts for environmental protection and conservation will be extensive in the following years to ensure the well-being of future generations. Unity is promoted to secure a healthy ocean for all.
Cynthia Blas, who serves as the resort’s Director of Sales and Marketing, expressed her heartfelt appreciation for all the volunteers who participated in these efforts. She emphasized that this endeavor represents a remarkable collaborative effort involving government agencies, corporate partners, and tourists, showcasing the power of unity and cooperative teamwork in giving back to nature.
The recognition of the various groups involved in contributing to nature conservation is an indicator of the success of the resort’s organized event, which was both productive and impactful. The virtue of “malasakit,” or the act of concern, is evident not only in the event but also in every action undertaken by the resort.
A Pledge to Ongoing Conservation
The collected wastes from the coastal cleanup, signifying the resort’s commitment to their green initiatives. (CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)
The Best Western Ivywall Resort – Panglao’s commitment to environmental conservation extends beyond events. Earlier this year, they took a significant step towards a greener experience by replacing single-use plastic toiletries in all rooms with refillable alternatives, setting a positive example for the industry.
The recent success of the 2023 International Coastal Cleanup for Alona Beach marks just the beginning of The Best Western Ivywall Resort – Panglao’s ongoing commitment to environmental conservation. With Diana’s plans for quarterly cleanups and a growing community of dedicated volunteers, the resort’s impact is set to expand beyond Alona Beach, inspiring more participants and fostering a cleaner, healthier ocean for generations to come.
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