CORDOVA, Cebu – The Metro Pacific Investments Foundation, Inc. (MPIF), the corporate social responsibility arm of Metro Pacific Investments Corporation (MPIC) that manages the Cebu Cordova Link Expressway Corporation (CCLEC), inaugurated the newly renovated Mangrove Propagation and Information Center (MPIC), a hub facility for marine biodiversity education and conservation in Cordova, Cebu with a renovation budget of P4.5 million for its repair and rehabilitation.
“Today marks not just an inauguration, but the beginning of a shared legacy. The opening of the Cordova Mangrove Propagation and Information Center—the only one of its kind in the Visayas—is a historic step forward in preserving, understanding, and empowering communities through our mangrove ecosystems,” MPIF President Melody del Rosario said as she reflected on the greater meaning behind the project.
This center is not just a building. It is a symbol of partnership, science, stewardship, and local pride. In MPIF, we believe that protecting our environment is not just a philanthropic duty or corporate responsibility—it is an act of love, she added.
The MPIC is the first and only center of its kind in the Visayas, dedicated to the protection and propagation of mangrove forests in Cordova and surrounding coastal areas. The facility serves as a hub for raising awareness on the role mangroves play in coastal defense, biodiversity preservation, and climate resilience, while also offering opportunities for nature appreciation and ecotourism, del Rosario bared.
The MPIC is provided with tools and equipment essential for the center’s operations, including a Smart TV, sound system, electric fans, tables, and chairs, to support its daily activities and visitor engagement with the newly-inducted Mangrove Eco-Guides to assist in the Center’s operations.
According to Del Rosario, the five newly trained Mangrove Eco-Guides are local community members nominated by the municipality. These individuals handle the daily operations of the Center, including leading tours, conducting orientations, and assisting in mangrove park maintenance.
Their training included immersive sessions with environmental consultants and local government partners, where they gained essential knowledge and learned best practices. MPIF will co-provide a monthly allowance for these Eco-Guides over the next three years, ensuring the continuity and sustainability of their service. With their training and commitment, they are fully equipped to guide visitors through the Center and surrounding mangrove park, Del Rosario said.
More than P30 million was raised through contributions from Manuel Pangilinan himself, First Pacific, Metro Pacific Investments Corporation (MPIC), Maynilad, Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation (MPTC), PHILEX Mining Corporation, and Benny Santoso. Other support came from the Makati Medical Foundation, Alagang Kapatid Foundation, and PLDT.
“Thank you for changing the image of this center. It becomes the best place for us to be proud of, along with our mangroves. Rest assured that under my command, we will take care of this center, we will continue our projects, and we will invest more for the future of Cordova,” Mayor Cesar Suan said. (Photos: CCLEX/Max Limpag)
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