Metro Pacific Investments Foundation (MPIF), the social development arm of Metro Pacific Investments Corporation, and the City Government of Alaminos have launched Project RESHORE, or Resilient Ecosystem and Sustainable Habitats through Organized Restoration and Employment, to combine livelihood support with environmental restoration in vulnerable coastal communities.

The partnership was formalized through a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) led by MPIF President Melody del Rosario and Alaminos City Mayor Hon. Arth Bryan Celeste. The initiative will engage 30 qualified small-scale fisherfolk and residents from at-risk coastal households in restoring a damaged 2.19-hectare portion of the Bued Mangrove Eco-Park.

The launch included the turnover of essential tools, equipment, and safety gear for the volunteers’ fieldwork. The volunteers also took part in a capacity-building and training session on August 26, 2026, in preparation for the environmental restoration activities.

Implemented under MPIF’s Gabay Kabuhayan pillar, Project RESHORE is a climate-resilient Cash-for-Work initiative recognized by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) as a Cash-for-Work intervention and aligned with its Risk Resiliency Program Framework. The project has a total budget of ₱1 million, providing immediate livelihood support while helping restore natural ecosystems that protect and sustain coastal communities.

Mayor Celeste reaffirmed Alaminos’ commitment to protecting its coastal resources and welcomed the city’s continued partnership with MPIF.

“Lagi niyo po kaming kasama, especially in taking care of our coastal resources and mangroves. This is a team-up, a partnership to make sure that we are doing the right thing for the environment,” said Mayor Celeste.

For del Rosario, Project RESHORE represents another milestone in MPIF’s continuing partnership with Alaminos and an opportunity to bring similar livelihood and mangrove restoration efforts to other areas in Pangasinan.

She also recognized the city’s sustained support for MPIF’s environmental programs, including the Mangrove Information Center and its nursery. Del Rosario emphasized that Project RESHORE is intended both to restore mangroves and to support the communities responsible for caring for them.

Restoring a natural coastal shield

The Bued Mangrove Eco-Park covers 8.17 hectares. Of that area, 2.19 hectares, or 26.79%, was identified as severely damaged after disturbances that included Typhoon Emong in 2025.

Project activities will include clearing degraded and dead mangroves, removing marine debris and waste, and strategically planting new mangrove propagules to support the damaged area’s recovery.

For participating families, the project offers an alternative source of income amid challenges including high fuel costs and fluctuating fishing conditions. Their work will also help restore mangroves that function as a natural coastal buffer and support the health of the surrounding marine ecosystem.

“The communities will give life to the commitments outlined in the MOA. The real work starts after the signing, when everything falls into place, and we begin putting these plans into action,” del Rosario said.

Project RESHORE builds on the long-standing collaboration between MPIF and the City of Alaminos through the Shore It Up program. During MPIF’s anniversary celebration, Alaminos City was recognized as the organization’s Most Outstanding Partner for Shore It Up, reflecting the city’s continued commitment to environmental conservation.

The city’s mangrove eco-guides support these efforts by welcoming visitors, sharing the story of the mangroves, and helping make the Mangrove Information Center a place for learning and environmental awareness.

“They are truly the face of our Mangrove Information Center. Without them, it would simply remain a building. Because of them, it has a story that they can share with visitors and with people who want to learn more about the importance and benefits of mangroves,” del Rosario said.

The project will run from September 1 to October 31, 2026. Volunteers will work for up to five hours a day and will receive allowances, protective equipment, tools, and technical guidance from MPIF.

Following discussions with marine scientist Dr. Jurgenne Primavera on the appropriate approach for the damaged area, MPIF will ensure that the restoration activities and selected mangrove species are suited to the site and capable of thriving despite recurring typhoons.

Through Project RESHORE, MPIF and the City Government of Alaminos aim to demonstrate how livelihood support and ecosystem restoration can operate together by assisting families while restoring the natural coastal protection on which communities depend.