The Negros Oriental Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NOCCI), officers led by President Edward Du, actively participated in a successful mangrove planting activity aimed at enhancing environmental sustainability. The initiative was carried out in collaboration with key NOCCI members, including Ducomi and Basco, alongside several other organizations such as the Rotary Club Dumaguete South, Girl Scouts of the Philippines, the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA), the Philippine Army, and others.
This collective effort emphasized the importance of preserving coastal ecosystems and ensuring environmental protection. President Du expressed his sincere gratitude to Sidney Lee, the Mangrove Planting Coordinator at AMPO, for his leadership in organizing the event. Additionally, Du thanked Metro Dumaguete Water (MDW) and its officers and employees, led by Chief Operating Officer Engr. Robert Cabiles, for their generous sponsorship.
The mangrove planting activity exemplified the value of partnerships between local businesses, government bodies, and community organizations. NOCCI’s involvement in this event highlights its commitment to corporate social responsibility and environmental stewardship, while also fostering greater collaboration for future sustainability initiatives.
NOCCI Champions Environmental Action Through Mangrove Planting Initiative
In a significant display of corporate social responsibility and environmental commitment, the Negros Oriental Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NOCCI), under the leadership of President Edward Du, recently spearheaded a mangrove planting activity that united various sectors in support of coastal conservation. The initiative was hailed as a resounding success, reflecting the collective efforts of business, civic, and government stakeholders toward enhancing the province’s environmental resilience.
Held along the coast of Negros Oriental, the event brought together numerous local organizations and volunteers. Among the key participants were NOCCI members including Ducomi and Basco, along with the Rotary Club of Dumaguete South, the Girl Scouts of the Philippines, the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA), the Philippine Army, and several other community and civic groups.
The initiative focused on reforesting mangrove areas, which play a vital role in stabilizing coastlines, protecting marine biodiversity, and mitigating the impact of climate change. By restoring these natural barriers, the planting effort contributes directly to safeguarding local communities from storm surges and coastal erosion, while also enhancing the ecological health of the region’s marine habitats.
President Edward Du emphasized the importance of environmental responsibility in business leadership, noting that corporate engagement in ecosystem protection is not only beneficial but essential for long-term economic and social stability. “Protecting our natural resources is a shared responsibility,” Du stated. “Through efforts like this, we demonstrate that the business community is committed to solutions that go beyond commerce—we’re investing in the future of our environment and our people.”
A central figure in organizing the activity was Sidney Lee, Mangrove Planting Coordinator at AMPO, whose coordination and environmental advocacy were recognized by all participants. President Du extended his gratitude to Lee for his hands-on leadership, noting that the logistical and educational elements provided by AMPO helped make the event both impactful and well-organized.
Special acknowledgment was also given to Metro Dumaguete Water (MDW), whose officers and employees actively participated and sponsored the initiative. Led by Chief Operating Officer Engr. Robert Cabiles, the MDW team provided critical support in logistics and manpower, demonstrating how private utilities can play a meaningful role in environmental protection efforts.
“This event sets an example of how cross-sector collaboration can make a tangible difference,” Engr. Cabiles remarked. “As a utility service provider, we understand that environmental stewardship directly supports water security and community well-being.”
The mangrove planting activity also served as an educational opportunity, particularly for the youth and community volunteers who joined the event. Guided by experts and environmentalists, participants learned about the ecological value of mangroves, proper planting techniques, and the long-term benefits of coastal reforestation. The Girl Scouts of the Philippines, representing the next generation of environmental stewards, were especially engaged in the learning component of the event.
NOCCI’s participation in the initiative reaffirms its broader agenda of promoting sustainability through corporate citizenship. The chamber continues to champion causes that align business growth with environmental and social progress. According to Du, this kind of engagement is a vital extension of NOCCI’s mission to build a resilient and inclusive economy in Negros Oriental.
Looking ahead, NOCCI plans to integrate more environmental and sustainability-focused projects into its calendar, leveraging partnerships with civil society, government, and the private sector. The goal is to institutionalize environmental actions as a regular part of business practice, rather than a one-time event.
“We are proud to stand alongside our partners in this initiative,” Du added. “This is only the beginning. By continuing to work together, we can turn isolated acts of conservation into a culture of environmental responsibility that benefits generations to come.”
The success of the mangrove planting event illustrates the power of collaboration in addressing ecological challenges. With climate risks rising and natural ecosystems under pressure, such initiatives are increasingly vital. NOCCI’s leadership not only brought stakeholders together but also sent a strong message that sustainable development and environmental care go hand in hand.
As Negros Oriental continues to position itself as a model for responsible growth in the Visayas region, NOCCI’s engagement in conservation activities stands as a beacon of how the business sector can lead with purpose and impact.
