11/07/2025
**MPIF Inaugurates Newly-Rehabilitated Mangrove Center in Cordova, Cebu** *Reopened facility to serve as hub for education, conservation, and community ecotourism*
CORDOVA, CEBU – The Metro Pacific Investments Foundation, Inc. (MPIF), the social development arm of Metro Pacific Investments Corporation (MPIC), officially reopened the newly renovated **Mangrove Propagation and Information Center (MPIC)** in Barangay Pilipog, Cordova, Cebu. The center, the only one of its kind in the Visayas, is now poised to become a dynamic platform for marine biodiversity education, conservation, and sustainable community engagement.
The ceremonial inauguration was led by Cordova Mayor **Hon. Cesar Suan**, Vice Mayor **Hon. Victor Tago III**, MPIF President **Melody del Rosario**, and **Fernando M. Autor**, Vice President for Tollways Development & Engineering of the Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway Corporation (CCLEC). The event also welcomed the induction of five newly trained **Mangrove Eco-Guides**—local community members who will oversee daily operations and conduct visitor activities.
+ A New Chapter for Cordova’s Coastal Ecosystem
The upgraded two-story facility is part of MPIF’s flagship environmental program, **Shore It Up!**, and reflects MPIF’s long-term commitment to environmental sustainability and community resilience. Severely damaged by **Typhoon Odette** in 2021, the center underwent a ₱4.5-million rehabilitation funded by MPIF, with additional support from the **MVP Group of Companies**, **First Pacific**, **Maynilad**, **PHILEX Mining Corporation**, **Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation**, **PLDT**, and others.
“This is more than just an inauguration—it’s the rebirth of a symbol of stewardship and science,” said MPIF President Melody del Rosario. “This Center represents our collective love for the environment and our belief that sustainability is a shared responsibility.”
+ Equipping the Community
To support daily operations, MPIF also turned over essential tools and equipment, including a smart TV, sound system, tables, chairs, and electric fans. Meanwhile, the five newly appointed **Mangrove Eco-Guides**—nominated by the LGU—completed immersive training in mangrove park operations and environmental education, and will receive a monthly allowance for the next three years through MPIF support.
“This center becomes the best place for us to be proud of, along with our mangroves,” said Mayor Cesar Suan. “We will take care of it, invest more in its future, and continue to protect what it stands for.”
+ Driving Sustainability Forward
The initiative actively supports several **United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)** including:
* **SDG 8**: Decent Work and Economic Growth
* **SDG 13**: Climate Action
* **SDG 14**: Life Below Water
* **SDG 15**: Life on Land
* **SDG 17**: Partnerships for the Goals
This is in line with **Gabay Kalikasan**, one of the MVP Group’s core advocacies toward a **Sustainable Philippines**, and reinforces MPIF’s focus on **Education**, **Environment**, and **Economic Empowerment**—the three pillars of its social infrastructure agenda.
As MPIC continues to develop the nation's physical infrastructure, MPIF ensures that social development and environmental sustainability grow alongside it—creating meaningful and lasting impact in communities across the Philippines.
