Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP), in partnership with Paralympic swimmer Ernie Gawilan, successfully concluded the “Start Your Impossible” National Coastal Cleanup and Mangrove Planting Day on December 14, 2024. Conducted across 33 locations nationwide, the event sought to inspire communities to protect marine ecosystems and address coastal pollution, reflecting Gawilan’s commitment as a Global Team Toyota Athlete (GTTA).
The initiative united 1,302 volunteers from TMP and its dealer network, guided by local government units and environmental offices, to underscore the significance of marine conservation and pollution reduction. During the activity, volunteers collected 789 bags of plastic waste and debris, while planting 10,354 mangrove seedlings to aid in restoring vital coastal forests.
Ernie Gawilan, an Asian Para Games gold medalist and proud Davaoeño, was pivotal in mobilizing the community for this cause. Samal Island, a place close to Gawilan’s heart, holds special significance as it shaped his journey to becoming an accomplished athlete.
This activity forms part of Gawilan’s project under Toyota’s global “Start Your Impossible” program, which encourages athletes to pursue excellence in sports while championing social causes. For Gawilan, advocating for cleaner waters and environmental awareness aligns with his mission to create lasting change beyond his athletic endeavors.
“Nagpapasalamat ako sa Toyota family sa pagtulong sa akin sa pagtatanim at coastal cleanup ngayong araw (I am grateful to the Toyota family for helping me with the tree planting and the coastal cleanup today),” Gawilan expressed during his speech at the Samal Island event. “Sana marami akong na-inspire, at pagtulungan natin na ma-preserve ang kalikasan natin, lalo na ang dagat, kasi dito po ako nagsimula (I hope I have inspired many, and let us work together to preserve our environment, especially the ocean, because this is where I started),” he added.
Elijah Sue Marcial, TMP Vice President for Network Sales & Systems Cluster, praised Gawilan’s dual role as an athlete and environmental advocate. “Ernie is a dual hero. We have been working alongside him to champion cleaner waters through various cleanup and planting projects,” she said. “This advocacy was personally chosen by Ernie as a way to give back to the communities that supported him in achieving his dreams.”
Denise Lim, President of Toyota Davao Inc., echoed these sentiments. “All of us at Toyota are very proud that the company consistently collaborates with stakeholders and communities to give back and inspire,” she remarked. “Today, we continue Toyota’s environmental efforts alongside a truly remarkable and inspiring guest of honor.”
A volunteer from Toyota Davao City Inc. highlighted the significance of Gawilan’s advocacy, saying, “Malaki ang naiambag niya sa coastal cleanup at pagtatanim ng mga bakawan (He made a significant contribution to the coastal cleanup and mangrove planting). Dahil sa kanyang dedikasyon at malasakit sa kalikasan, nagawa nating sama-samang maglinis at magtanim para sa mas maayos at mas luntian na hinaharap (Because of his dedication and care for the environment, we were able to clean up and plant together for a better and greener future).”
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