North’s surfing spot goes sustainable
SAN Juan town in La Union province has been called the “surfing capital of the north.” At the same time, the hundreds of tourist establishments in its area contribute to locally generated waste materials. As a solution, Athena Executive Services launched Pawi-Can: A Sustainable Waste Management Project to promote responsible waste management while fostering environmental stewardship among locals and tourists alike.
Athena unveiled special turtle bins designed by visual artist and La Union native John Parmisano, strategically placing them in hightraffic areas frequented by tourists and remote workers in Barangay Urbiztondo in San Juan Beach. The launch also featured a coral reef planting workshop in partnership with EcoSurf, a local surfing instructor group and freedivers who are also into environmental advocacy.
Other partners supporting the Pawi-Can project are the San Juan Resort and Hotel Association Inc., the Dragon 8 Junkshop and the local government unit of San Juan, a town that has a clean beach, a surfing area and a seabed rich in aquatic life.
Victoria Alcachupas, Athena chief marketing officer, acknowledged that “La Union has always been a hallmark for sustainable tourism and environmental protection.” She said that the Pawi-Can Project emphasizes their commitment to responsible plastic disposal and recycling, while also serving as a call for individuals to join the cause.
San Juan Mayor Arturo Valdriz said that he hopes the project will encourage both locals and beachgoers to “develop greater awareness of their waste disposal habits, keeping our precious waters clean.”