Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP), in collaboration with Paralympic swimmer Ernie Gawilan successfully concluded the “Start Your Impossible” National Coastal Cleanup and Mangrove Planting Day last Dec. 14. The event, held in 33 locations across the Philippines, aimed to inspire communities to protect marine ecosystems and tackle coastal pollution, supporting Gawilan’s social commitment as a Global Team Toyota Athlete (GTTA).
The event, which brought together 1,302 volunteers from TMP and the Toyota dealer network—and guided by the local government unit and environment offices—highlighted the importance of preserving the marine ecosystem and combating the pressing issue of coastal pollution.
Gawilan with volunteers from TMP, Toyota Davao group and representatives from Samal’s City Environment and Natural Resources Office
The group of volunteers collected 789 bags of plastic waste and debris. Alongside the cleanup efforts, 10,354 mangrove seedlings were planted, further contributing to the restoration of critical mangrove forests in various coastal communities.
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.
Volunteers collect trash and plant mangrove trees along the shoreline
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.
Gawilan and volunteers clean up the Samal shoreline
“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. “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.
“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 and 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.
“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 Toyota’s environmental efforts together with a truly remarkable and inspiring guest of honor,” she added.
A volunteer from Toyota Davao City Inc shared his thoughts on Ernie’s mission for cleaner waters: “He has made a significant contribution to the coastal cleanup and the planting of mangroves. Because of his dedication and care for the environment, we were able to clean up and plant together for a better and greener future.”
Three mangrove seedlings must be planted to allow at least one to thrive
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