Epson Philippines, in collaboration with the Haribon Foundation, recently conducted a coastal cleanup at the Las Piñas-Parañaque Wetland Park (LPPWP), reaffirming its commitment to sustainability and environmental preservation.
“At Epson, sustainability is more than just a corporate goal, it’s a responsibility we take seriously,” said Masako Kusama, President and Director of Epson Philippines. “This cleanup initiative reflects our dedication to protecting the environment and inspiring others to take action for a better future.”
The coastal cleanup focused on addressing pollution in Las Piñas-Parañaque Wetland Park, a 175-hectare protected area that serves as one of the last mangrove refuges in Manila Bay. The park is home to over 54 bird species, both native and migratory, and plays a vital role in maintaining biodiversity in the region. However, waste accumulation threatens this delicate ecosystem, making conservation efforts critical.
Volunteers from Epson and Haribon worked together to collect 133 sacks of waste, weighing a total of 697 kilograms. Among the debris removed were Styrofoam (42 sacks, 82 kg), glass and metal (5 sacks, 50 kg), PET bottles (41 sacks, 123 kg), rubber materials (19 sacks, 228 kg), cloth waste (6 sacks, 72 kg), and soft plastics (20 sacks, 140 kg). This effort not only reduced pollutants but also underscored the urgent need for sustained action to protect natural habitats.
Participants remove debris and sort waste to help restore the wetland park’s habitat for native and migratory birds.
Collaborating for Change
The Haribon Foundation, one of the Philippines’ leading environmental organizations, has long been dedicated to conserving biodiversity and promoting sustainable practices. Known for its expertise in habitat restoration and community engagement, Haribon actively partners with companies and institutions to address pressing ecological challenges. For this coastal cleanup, Haribon provided technical guidance, clean-up materials, and site management support, ensuring the activity was both impactful and safe for volunteers.
As part of its Human Resources plans for 2025, Epson sought to organize an employee engagement activity aligned with its sustainability initiatives. The partnership with Haribon was a natural fit, given their shared vision of preserving critical ecosystems and fostering environmental awareness.
“We specifically wanted a coastal cleanup because it directly addresses one of the most visible and urgent environmental issues today,” Kusama explained. “Partnering with Haribon allowed us to make a meaningful impact—not only by preserving the wetland park but also by encouraging our employees to actively participate in sustainable practices.”
Sustainability at Epson’s Core
The Las Piñas-Parañaque Wetland Park holds immense ecological significance as among the last remaining mangrove refuge in Manila Bay. It serves as a sanctuary for migratory birds traveling south during the winter months and provides essential ecosystem services such as flood mitigation and carbon sequestration. Epson’s involvement demonstrates its commitment to safeguarding these critical functions while raising awareness about the importance of long-term conservation efforts.
This coastal cleanup is one of many initiatives Epson has undertaken to promote sustainability and reduce its ecological footprint. By engaging employees in hands-on activities like this, the company continues to demonstrate its dedication to creating positive change and enriching communities. Epson’s broader sustainability programs include reducing waste, conserving energy, and innovating eco-friendly technologies—all aimed at minimizing environmental impact.
“This event is proof that small actions can lead to big results,” Kusama added. “We hope it inspires our employees and partners to take steps—big or small—in preserving our country’s natural resources and protecting our planet for generations to come. Sustainability is not just something we strive for as a company; it’s something we want to instill in every individual who shares our vision for a better world.”
For more information about Epson’s sustainability programs, visit www.epson.com.ph.
