San Vicente, Palawan—The Coca-Cola System in the Philippines, as represented by Coca-Cola Beverages Philippines Inc., the licensed bottler of Coca-Cola products in the country, and the Coca-Cola Foundation Philippines are turning over the top-of-the-line Barber Surf Rake beach-cleaning equipment to the municipal government here.
With the grant, the town, led by Mayor Amy Roa Alvarez, would ensure responsible environmental conservation of San Vicente’s top tourist attraction—an approximately 15-kilometer-long stretch of fine white sand beach that rivals the best beaches in the world.
“San Vicente has been rightly drawing tourists from across the Philippines and across the globe for its sights and for the warmth of its people,” said Cecile Alcantara, president of the Coca-Cola Foundation Philippines.
“We at Coca-Cola want to contribute to the health of its tourism sector, by helping institutionalize ecological stewardship and environmental protection to better ensure that San Vicente can sustainably maintain the beauty of its resources and attractions for generations to come,” she added.
Coca-Cola signed a Memorandum of Agreement with the municipal government last October to formalize its partnership toward championing sustainability here. The ceremony was witnessed by Miss Earth 2019 candidates, who share the same goals of environmental protection.
San Vicente is one of the host municipalities of this year’s Miss Earth pageant.
The Barber Surf Rake is the most popular and most advanced tractor-towed beach cleaner in the world, employing the least intrusive method of gathering unwanted debris from the sand, and has very low ground pressure to minimize disruption.
This initiative has already been deployed in beaches in Boracay and Baler, Aurora.
The introduction of the surf rake to San Vicente marks the beginning of a long-term partnership with Coke and the municipality.
The company will continuously work with the local government of San Vicente to establish a holistic and sustainable environmental preservation plan that will also enjoin both locals and tourists to act and do their part in maintaining the pristine beauty of the island.
“The people of San Vicente have always been proud of the beauty of our home, and we have always been eager to showcase its sights to our guests. San Vincente is a sanctuary and we are heeding the call to be better environmental stewards,” says Mayor Alvarez.
“We wholeheartedly appreciate the efforts of Coca-Cola, as we share the same vision for San Vincente—to protect it and preserve its pristine beauty, and at the same time retain its world-class status as a top destination for travelers.”
This initiative is aligned with the Coca-Cola System’s global vision of a World Without Waste, anchored on sustainability and environmental protection.
Says Atty. Juan Lorenzo Tañada, Director for Corporate & Regulatory Affairs of CCBPI: “We are very grateful for this opportunity to partner with San Vicente.”
“The leadership of Mayor Amy is testament to her passion to promote San Vicente, Palawan as one of the best coastal towns in the world, alongside collective conservation efforts to preserve its natural beauty. We at Coca-Cola are truly honored that we have this chance to support the people of San Vicente in this worthy endeavor,” he ended.