Filipino paralympic swimmer pushes for cleaner waters through collective action from volunteers from all over the country
Ernie Gawilan takes a group photo with volunteers from Toyota Motor Philippines, Toyota Davao group and representatives from Samal’s City Environment and Natural Resources Office
Last December 14, 2024, Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) and Paralympic swimmer Ernie Gawilan successfully wrapped up the “Start Your Impossible” National Coastal Cleanup and Mangrove Planting Day. The event, which took place in 33 different sites throughout the Philippines, supported Gawilan’s social commitment as a Global Team Toyota Athlete (GTTA) by encouraging communities to combat coastal pollution and preserve marine ecosystems.
Under the direction of the local government unit and environment departments, the event, which involved 1,302 volunteers from Toyota Motor Philippines and the Toyota dealer network, emphasized the need of protecting marine ecology and addressing the urgent problem of coastal pollution.
The volunteers gathered 789 bags of garbage and plastic waste. 10,354 mangrove seedlings were planted in conjunction with the cleanup activities, which helped to restore vital mangrove forests in a number of coastal villages.
Volunteers are seen collecting trash and planting mangrove trees along the muddy shorelines
Ernie Gawilan, an Asian Para Games gold medalist and a proud Davaoeño, played an instrumental role in rallying the community for a cleaner future. This event holds dear to him, as Samal Island is the place which shaped him to become the athlete that he is today.
This activity is part of Ernie’s project under Toyota’s global “Start Your Impossible” program which empowers athletes not only to pursue sports excellence but also to become advocates for social good. For Gawilan, championing cleaner waters and driving environmental awareness have become central to his mission of creating meaningful change beyond sports.
Ernie Gawilan joins in on planting mangrove seedlings
“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),” Ernie Gawilan shared in his speech at the Samal Island site of the nationwide activity. “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.
Volunteers, including Ernie Gawilan, continue to pick up the trash along the shorelines of Samal, Davao
“Ernie is a dual hero, we have also been working alongside him in championing cleaner waters through various cleanup and planting projects” Shared Elijah Sue Marcial, TMP Vice President for Network Sales & Systems Cluster. “This advocacy was chosen personally by Ernie as a way to give back to the communities that supported him toward his dreams” She added.
Three mangrove seedlings must be planted to allow at least one to thrive
“All of us who work for Toyota are very proud that Toyota has always worked with stakeholders and communities to give back and to Inspire,” Shared Denise Lim, President of Toyota Davao Inc. “Today, we are here to continue on Toyota’s Environmental efforts together with a truly remarkable and inspiring guest of honor,” She added.
Additionally, a volunteer from Toyota Davao City Inc. shared his thoughts on Ernie’s Mission for cleaner waters:
“Malaki and naiambag niya sa coastal cleanup at pagtatanim ng mga bakawan (He made a significant contribution to the coastal cleanup and the planting of mangroves),” A Volunteer from Toyota Davao City Inc. Shared. “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),” he added.
Toyota Albay group at Sitio Bagong Silong
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