Ensuring oceans remain healthy has been a shared priority of the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Philippines and the Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd (RCL). Strong allies for the protection of oceans since 2016, WWF-Philippines and RCL continue to work together in various initiatives to protect marine resources with the Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. supporting the conservation program in Donsol and the RCL Regional Operating Headquarters implementing different employee engagement activities.

RCL Regional Operating Headquarters employees have participated in several activities since the partnership began. A day in Calatagan for a coastal clean-up and mangrove planting activity in 2017 was followed by several clean-ups in the last coastal frontier in Metro Manila, the Las Piñas-Parañaque Critical Habitat and Ecotourism Area (LPPCHEA). This year, RCL employees who showed commitment to these environmental activities as volunteers were rewarded with a chance to visit Donsol and experience the conservation and ecotourism program first-hand.

Donsol has been known for the whale shark (Rhincodon typus), which has been a staple part of life in the Sorsogon municipality for many years. Locally known as butanding, this marine animal was once hunted as a source of food and livelihood. In 1998, however, WWF-Philippines recognized the inherent value of the whale shark as a source of ecotourism and used this opportunity to protect the species without sacrificing the wellbeing of locals.

The support of partners like RCL is crucial in helping conserve one of the country’s rarest and most endangered species. With this visit, the employees were able to see how big of an impact the support of their company was able to make. They have been instrumental in spreading awareness on the importance of ocean conservation and the employees could not help but express their pride and fulfillment as they watched the whale shark briefing video that was made possible with the help of RCL.