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Message from Lopez

Gina Lopez: Building the nation one eco-tourism site at a time

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Gina LopezGina LopezThree years ago, ABS-CBN Lingkod Kapamilya Foundation executive director Gina Lopez mobilized Bantay Kalikasan to help develop and market two eco-tourism sites in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan.

Today, there are five flourishing eco-tourism and livelihood projects in Palawan. The communities are self-sufficient, with one site providing work to 275 families who are able to send their children to school, even up to college.

She proudly announces more sites under development and due for launch within 2015: Saranggani, Sorsogon, Mindoro, Guimaras, South Cotabato and Samar.

Her vision is simple: “We can’t change the whole country all at once. But we can create models of success, to show similarly situated communities that eco-tourism is feasible and can provide sustainable employment over the long term. Because if we just do it in one site, then people might say we just got lucky. But if we are able to succeed in many sites, then they will know that it’s not luck. It means the business really works and is sustainable.”

Lopez acknowledges that the country’s economic growth has not been inclusive. She proposes that eco-tourism is a sustainable enterprise that can alleviate poverty and at the same time, protect the country’s natural environment. She believes that every successful eco-tourism site will eventually turn the tide in favor of poor communities who happen to live in the most beautiful scenic spots in the country.

Her G Eco Tours team gets the inputs of each community on how best to develop nature’s attractions for tourists, helps them build infrastructure such as ports to improve access, and trains them to be ‘earth warriors’. By teaching residents how nature itself can be the entire barangay’s way out of poverty, G Eco Tours builds a pool of environmentally conscious tourist guides, as well as active protectors of the forests, where fresh streams flow and trees provide nutritious food and healing medicines. 

The team also counts on the support of local governments to help the community prosper in a sustainable manner. “The LGU (local government unit) has to be friendly. Otherwise, it will be very difficult for the project to move forward,” Lopez says.

As chair of the Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission (PRRC), she feels fortunate that the assignment is apolitical. “PRRC is just cleaning the river. That’s the only intention. We don’t have any political problems because everybody wants a clean river. In fact, we are able to receive the cooperation of all the mayors.”

Even after her appointment as a government official ends, Lopez knows she will continue with her advocacies. “ABS-CBN is in media. It has the ability to catalyze and facilitate action. We will continue to be part of ABS-CBN, which allows us to make a difference in the lives of our countrymen.”

She believes members of the Lopez Group are privileged to be part of a conglomerate that has national development as a premiere objective. “Our family (the Lopez family) is always interested in the common good and in the national well-being. In that way, we are all very lucky to be part of this group. We can be proud of that desire, and of course, of that capacity to help.”

Her message to LopezLink readers: “I look forward to working with all Lopez Group members. Together, we can be an amazingly powerful force for national development. Let us work more closely, let’s work together. I want to hear your ideas. Tell me how to alleviate poverty in your hometowns, where you live or work. Tell me about undiscovered tourist destinations. Let’s help each other be a force for good.”(Story/photos by Carla Paras-Sison)

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Archive

  • ► 2022
    • ► December
      • • Let’s help one another heal
      • • Building a resilient Philippines
      • • Our hope this Christmas
      • • Remembrance, reflection, gratitude
  • ► 2021
    • ► December
      • • Honoring the reason for Christmas
      • • Prosperity for all
      • • A time of cheer
      • • Making Christmas memorable
  • ► 2020
    • ► December
      • • Humanity at its finest
      • • Moving forward in a new world
      • • Hope for better days
      • • Stewardship and fidelity
  • ► 2019
    • ► December
      • • The truest treasure
      • • Continuing our great work
      • • The gift of life
      • • Seeking peace
      • • Perfectly united
  • ► 2018
    • ► December
      • • Let’s help keep the lights on
      • • Family is our place of love
      • • Spreading Christmas cheer
      • • Renewing family ties
    • ► March
      • • Keeping the lights on in the transition to an all-renewable future
  • ► 2017
    • ► December
      • • Together we have stepped up
      • • A year of rebirth and gratitude
      • • Looking forward, looking back
  • ► 2016
    • ► December
      • • Choosing to be powered by good
      • • Our mission remains the same
      • • Remember God’s love
      • • Changing with the changing times
      • • Each Christmas is a new opportunity
    • ► June
      • • Keynote Remarks of First Philippine Holdings chairman and CEO Federico R. Lopez at the 3rd Annual Summit of the Shareholders’ Association of the Philippines on June 17, 2016
      • • Keynote Remarks of Lopez Holdings chairman emeritus Oscar M. Lopez at the 3rd Annual Summit of the Shareholders’ Association of the Philippines on June 17, 2016
  • ► 2015
    • ► December
      • • Continue to push the boundaries
      • • We cannot lose hope in the Filipino
      • • Let us count our blessings every day
      • • Thank you for a remarkable year
      • • The wonders of Christmas
    • ► October
      • • Remarks of Chairman Emeritus Oscar M. Lopez, on the Lopez Achievement Awards 2014 held at Studio 10, ABS-CBN Compound on October 15, 2015
      • • Remarks of Federico R. Lopez at the 2014 Lopez Achievement Awards Ceremony held at ABSCBN Studio 10 on October 15, 2015
    • ► July
      • • For love of country, we are prepared to take action to make it better
    • ► May
      • • Remarks of Ambassador Manuel M. Lopez, Chairman and CEO of Lopez Holdings Corporation, at the Annual Stockholders’ Meeting held at Power Plant Mall Cinema, Rockwell Center, Makati City
      • • Remarks of Federico R. Lopez, Chairman and CEO, at First Gen Annual Stockholders Meeting on May 13, 2015
      • • Remarks of Federico R. Lopez at the Annual Stockholders' Meeting of Energy Development Corporation on May 5, 2015
      • • Oscar M. Lopez: even at 85, there are worlds left to conquer
    • ► April
      • • The legacy of heroes is the memory of a great name
      • • Oscar M. Lopez on Longevity and Success
    • ► March
      • • Remarks of Lopez Group Chairman Emeritus Oscar M. Lopez at the 2012 Commencement Exercises of the University of the Philippines and Conferment of the degree of Doctor of Laws, Honoris Causa
    • ► February
      • • Excellence is a Habit
    • ► January
      • • Towards A New Year of Promise
  • ► 2014
    • ► December
      • • Christmas is a time for gratitude
      • • Christmas message from Eugenio Lopez III
      • • Christmas message from Federico R. Lopez III
      • • Christmas message from Presentacion L. Psinakis
      • • Christmas message from Ambassador Manuel M. Lopez
      • • Christmas message from Oscar M. Lopez
    • ► October
      • • The Parley between Lopez and Marcos
      • • Why Choose Philippines?
      • • When War Escalates to Devastating Results
      • • The Inevitable Decline: Did Marcos Finally Go Too Far?
      • • Mayhem in Malacañang: Find Out What Caused Eñing’s Massive Fit
      • • The Yolanda Hero and the Unsung Hero
    • ► September
      • • Igniting the fallout: The unbelievable tactic President Marcos enforced
      • • Inspirational Remarks by Lopez Group Chairman Emeritus Oscar M. Lopez on the occasion of the Lopez Achievement Awards Ceremonies held at ABS-CBN Studio 10 on September 24, 2014
      • • A fork in the road: When two brilliant forces arrive at a point of dissent
      • • Discover what happened when a national problem took a turn for the worst
      • • Guess who came to the Nationalista victory party
      • • Don Eñing fights his greatest battle
    • ► August
      • • Remembering Ninoy this August 21
    • ► July
      • • CSR Challenges to Corporations
      • • Lessons from Typhoon Yolanda
      • • The exciting conclusion to the most epic chapter of the 100-year history of the Lopez Group (page 8)
      • • Lopez Values: a powerful rival makes an unforeseen move
      • • Remarks of Ambassador Manuel M. Lopez, Lopez Group Chairman at the Lopez Service Awards Night on July 2, 2014
      • • Just as Macapagal goes in for the kill, the chink in his armor is revealed
    • ► June
      • • From Bridges to Betrayal: the Lopez-Macapagal battle takes on another surprising twist
      • • Just When Macapagal Thought Victory Was His For The Taking…A Surprise Move from the Lopez Camp!
      • • Celebrating the Filipino Identity
      • • Chaos Warfare: Find out what brilliant tactic Don Eñing used to beat Macapagal at his own game
      • • Don Eñing lost BISCOM to Macapagal but What He Did Next Will Amaze You
    • ► May
      • • Defeating the Enemy with the Power of Unity and Trust
      • • Let’s celebrate something GOOD!
    • ► April
      • • The Start of an Alliance. Read page 8 of Underestimated webcomics
      • • Summer Break
    • ► March
      • • Facing a New Vendetta: Page 7 of Underestimated Webcomics
      • • A Bitter Demise: Page 6 of Underestimated Webcomics
      • • An Iroclad Approach: Page 5 of Underestimated Webcomics
      • • The adversary strikes back. Read page 4 of Underestimated webcomics
      • • Heritage and Love of Country
      • • What happens to Montilla in the Battle of Biscom?: Page 3 of Underestimated Webcomics
    • ► February
      • • How far have we come since EDSA 86 People Power?
      • • Outsmarting the Foe: Page 2 of Underestimated Webcomics
      • • Hope for the Laborers’ Plight: Page 1 of Underestimated Web Comics
    • ► January
      • • Resilient and Unsinkable: Why the Lopez Spirit Is Never Underestimated
  • ► 2013
    • ► December
      • • This season, Selflessness is more than possible
    • ► September
      • • To Fly and Fly Again comic series
      • • A Letter from Oscar M. Lopez
    • ► July
      • • Eugenio at Heart series
      • • A Lifetime of Excellence
    • ► June
      • • Independence and Nationalistic Pride
    • ► May
      • • Happy Mothers’ Day to everyone
    • ► March
      • • Pope Francis of the Poor and Lent
    • ► February
      • • Remembering the Spirit of EDSA
      • • Chinese New Year
  • ► 2012
    • ► December
      • • The Hope for Unity: The Winning Entries to the “What Do You Want This Christmas” Lopez Values Stars Facebook Contest
    • ► November
      • • What do you want this Christmas?
    • ► October
      • • LAA: Setting Ourselves Apart
      • • EDC and Claudio Bravo
      • • OML on Senator Juan Ponce Enrile’s Memoir
    • ► September
      • • In Pursuit of Education and Social Justice
    • ► July
      • • It’s Good to Go Green!
    • ► June
      • • Winners of the Nationalism Essay Contest
      • • Nationalism in the Workplace
      • • Nationalism and the Lopez Group Employee
      • • How can we express nationalism in our everyday work?
      • • Ang Pagiging Makabayan
      • • We now have our own Facebook page!
      • • Back-to-school this June
    • ► May
      • • Ready, Set, Succeed: OML’s Take on Life
    • ► April
      • • It’s More Fun to Choose Philippines
    • ► March
      • • How can we express our nationalism today in our everyday work?
    • ► February
      • • Dragon Energy
  • ► 2011
    • ► December
      • • This Season is the Best Time to Give Thanks
    • ► November
      • • A Whole New World
      • • Giving Voice to Lopez Values
    • ► October
      • • Serving the Kapamilya
    • ► September
      • • Social Responsibility
    • ► July
      • • Eugenio Lopez on his 110th Birth Anniversary
    • ► June
      • • Rizal the Sportsman and our Palaro
      • • It Is Never Too Late To Try Something New
    • ► May
      • • Giving Back
    • ► April
      • • Why Do I Climb Mountains?
      • • Lent at 81
      • • Creating Trust
      • • Getting Ready for the Big One
    • ► March
      • • Aligning the Values
      • • Unity in Tragedy
      • • Remembering the “Ides of March”
      • • Our Values Unite Us
    • ► February
      • • Love for Country
      • • Eyes on the Prize
      • • Happy Valentine’s, Kapamilya!
      • • Kung Hei Fat Choi!
    • ► January
      • • Are You A Lopez Values Superstar?
      • • Happy New Year, Kapamilya!
  • ► 2010
    • ► December
      • • Happy Holidays!
  • ► 0000
    • ►
      • • To survive and not despair

Web Comics

Enemy of My Enemy (Part 2)
Enemy of My Enemy (Part 2)
Enemy of My Enemy (Part 1)
Enemy of My Enemy (Part 1)
Underestimated
Underestimated
To Fly and Fly Again
To Fly and Fly Again

Under Estimated

 

Man in the Frame

 

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