In celebration of its commitment to sustainability and community stewardship, Savoy Hotel Mactan Newtown joined forces with environmental advocates, maritime authorities, and local organizations for “Atong Dagat, Atong Ugma” (Our Sea, Our Future), a coastal cleanup and underwater reef monitoring activity held on July 19 at Mactan Newtown Beach.
The initiative brought together volunteers from Savoy Hotel Mactan Newtown alongside the Philippine Coast Guard, Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary (PCGA), Feel Deep, the City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO), SEED4COM, and Jokai Cruises. It also marked the second year of the hotel’s Adopt-a-Reef program, which introduced the country’s first Sampaguita-inspired artificial coral reef structure into the waters of Mactan as part of Megaworld Hotels & Resorts’ sustainability initiatives.
The activity combined shoreline cleanup efforts with an underwater assessment of the artificial reef. While volunteers collected marine debris along the beach, a team of divers surveyed the coral structure to evaluate its condition, monitor marine biodiversity, and measure the project’s environmental impact.
Together, volunteers collected 104 kilograms of marine waste, consisting primarily of plastic and glass bottles, plastic sachets, food wrappers, and discarded clothing. Among the more unusual items recovered from the seabed were damaged solar panels and blood pressure monitoring equipment, underscoring the growing challenge of marine pollution.
“The ocean is one of Mactan’s greatest treasures, and protecting it requires shared responsibility,” said Harry Dale Seno, Director of Operations of Savoy Hotel Mactan Newtown.
“At Savoy, hospitality goes far beyond the four walls of our hotel. Through our Mindful Stay philosophy, we believe that caring for our guests also means caring for the community and the natural environment that makes this destination so special. By working alongside our partners and local experts, we hope to create meaningful experiences while helping preserve Mactan for future generations.”
Beyond environmental cleanups, Savoy Hotel Mactan Newtown continues to integrate sustainability into its daily operations through initiatives such as mangrove planting, waste reduction programs, and the repurposing of operational materials into eco-friendly guest amenities, reinforcing the hotel’s commitment to a circular economy.
Leading the underwater assessment was Jaime “Jimbo” Sarte, CEO of Feel Deep, who emphasized that conservation efforts must be guided by science and long-term collaboration.
“The purpose of this underwater survey is to gather real, actionable data. We assessed the health of the coral fragments and observed what marine life has begun to inhabit the structure. Our goal is not simply to monitor progress, but to use these findings to strengthen and expand this initiative together.”
The underwater survey yielded encouraging results. Divers observed healthy algae growth on the Sampaguita coral structure, providing habitat for small reef fish, invertebrates, and naturally attached coral fragments—early indicators that the artificial reef is beginning to support a thriving marine ecosystem.
To further strengthen the initiative, an additional batch of Sampaguita coral reef structures is scheduled for deployment this September, expanding the reef habitat and supporting continued marine biodiversity in the area.
All waste collected during the cleanup was turned over to CENRO for proper segregation and disposal, while the survey findings will serve as baseline data for future monitoring and conservation planning under the Adopt-a-Reef program.
Conducted with the blessing and support of Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Cindi Chan, “Atong Dagat, Atong Ugma” demonstrates how partnerships among the private sector, government agencies, environmental organizations, and local communities can create lasting, measurable impact for the protection of Cebu’s coastal ecosystems.
As part of Megaworld Hotels & Resorts’ sustainability commitment, Savoy Hotel Mactan Newtown continues to champion mindful hospitality, proving that every stay can contribute to a healthier environment and a more sustainable future.
