Waves of Change: Aboitiz Land’s Project Rake Leads the Cleanup Charge

Manufactured by H. Barber & Sons, the Barber Surf Rake, operated by a John Deere 5050D Tractor, efficiently collects large volumes of marine debris from the sand, covering up to 5 acres per hour.

In a significant move towards environmental conservation, Aboitiz Land launched Project Rake, recently. This initiative represents a joint effort by Aboitiz Land, Aboitiz Foundation Inc., the Municipality of San Juan, Batangas, and the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO). The project aims to enhance environmental cleanup and conservation efforts at Seafront Residences, promoting sustainable practices and community engagement.

The collaboration aims to promote regular, organized cleanups to remove marine debris and waste; protect marine turtles by monitoring nesting sites and educating the community about conservation practices; and engage vecinos and the local community through awareness campaigns, volunteer activities, and educational programs to foster environmental responsibility.

Project Rake uses the Surf Rake, a beach cleaning machine capable of picking up and holding 3,500 pounds of marine debris. It moves across the sand, leaving behind fine sand and a cleaner beach. The Memorandum of Understanding outlines how Aboitiz Land lends the Surf Rake to neighboring communities, eliminating the need for hand labor and saving time and money, making it a cost-efficient solution. The Surf Rake is reliable, easy to use, maintain, and environmentally friendly, making it the least intrusive mechanical beach cleaning method available.

Seafront Residences, located in San Juan, Batangas, is more than just a premium beachside development; it is home to long-term conservation efforts for the endangered pawikans, or sea turtles. Project Rake is just one of the many projects that help solidify Aboitiz Land’s commitment to innovating ways to promote enduring environmental conservation efforts, demonstrating how public-private partnerships can drive meaningful change in community sustainability. It stands as a testament to the power of collective action in addressing environmental challenges, showcasing the importance of preserving our natural heritage for future generations.

On June 27, 2024, Aboitiz Land held a ceremonial Memorandum of Understanding signing for Project Rake, which will deploy a beach cleaning machine along the shores of San Juan, Batangas. In photo (from left) Mr. Noelito Pasco, Officer, Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office; Hon. Ildebrando Salud, Municipal Mayor, San Juan, Batangas; Mardi Mapa-Suplido, Chief Operating Officer, Aboitiz Foundation; and Erika Maguad-Tibayan, Marketing and Branding Senior Manager, Aboitiz Land.