Cotabato Light and MENRE BARMM Sign 3-Year MOA for "Adopt an Estero" and Coastal Cleanup Drive

Photo Caption: (from left to right) MENRE Environment Management Services (EMS) Director Jalani M. Pamalian, MENRE BARMM Minister Akmad A. Brahim, Cotabato Light President and COO Valentin S. Saludes III and AboitizPower Distribution Utilities SVP & COO Anton Perdices

In a significant move towards environmental sustainability, Cotabato Light and Power Company (Cotabato Light) signed a three-year Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources, and Energy of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (MENRE BARMM) for the "Adopt an Estero" and coastal cleanup drive.

This partnership, officially inked in a ceremony held on September 4, 2024, underscores Cotabato Light’s commitment to environmental stewardship and preservation. 

Present during the signing were AboitizPower Distribution Utilities SVP & COO Anton Perdices, Cotabato Light President and COO Valentin S. Saludes III, MENRE BARMM Minister Akmad A. Brahim, Environment Management Services (EMS) Director Jalani M. Pamalian and other officials from both organizations, all of whom expressed their shared dedication to restoring the region's natural water bodies. The "Adopt an Estero" initiative seeks to engage local communities, private sectors, and government entities in regular cleanup drives and awareness campaigns to combat water pollution.

Cotabato Light President Valentin S. Saludes III emphasized, "Through this partnership with MENRE BARMM, we are not only cleaning up waterways but also empowering communities to take responsibility for our environment. This initiative is an integral part of Cotabato Light's corporate social responsibility, in line with our mission to support sustainable and inclusive growth in the communities we serve."

The "Adopt an Estero" and coastal cleanup drive will focus on several strategic locations identified by MENRE BARMM, prioritizing areas most affected by pollution and human activities. The drive also includes educational programs, capacity-building workshops, and sustained community involvement to ensure long-term impact.

MENRE BARMM Minister Akmad A. Brahim echoed these sentiments, stating, "We are honored to collaborate with Cotabato Light in this mission to safeguard our water bodies. Together, we will make significant strides towards a cleaner and healthier environment for the Bangsamoro region.

The 3-year MOA solidifies the shared vision of Cotabato Light and MENRE BARMM to create a cleaner and more sustainable environment. Both parties are committed to mobilizing their resources and networks for the success of this initiative.