The 9th Palo Para sa Kalikasan Golf Tournament took place at Dole Kalsangi Golf Club, Polomolok, South Cotabato, in celebration of the 45th year founding anniversary of Mahintana Foundation, Inc. (MFI). It is an invitational golf tournament in partnership with Dole Philippines, Inc., whose proceeds will support the organization’s ongoing efforts in implementing the Silway-Klinan River Watershed (SKRW) to Sarangani Bay Protected Seascape Ridge to Reef (R2R) Program. The program aims to reverse environmental degradation and improve the economic status of the people in the communities within the said watershed. Ridge to Reef focuses on a collective complementary approach that resulted in the utilization of indigenous technologies such as bamboo dikes, stone dikes, and earth matting to protect and restore ecosystems of land, water, and coastal areas. The program shares the responsibility of protection, restoration, and conservation at the same time economic and environmental benefits of the two river systems and watersheds. The Operations Manager of MFI, Mr. Jobe Tubigon, shared what the R2R is all about, and how planting trees could reduce the carbon footprint.
The golf tournament had a total of six (6) Gold Sponsors, thirty-two (32) Silver Sponsors, fourteen (14) Bronze Sponsors, and twelve (12) Benefactors. The first day of the event ended smoothly with a total of 25 players and continued on the second day with a total of 49 players. A culminating program was held, and Mr. Reynaldo Doria gave his message expressing his support for the event. Mr. Martiniano Magdolot, president of MFI, then gave his closing remarks, expressing his gratitude to those who have participated in the golf tournament for a greater cause for the environment.
