On October 25, 2023, Uba teamed up with esteemed local partners, Blue Finance and Blue Alliance Philippines, for a comprehensive field visit in Dumaran, Palawan. The primary objective was to review and enhance the proposed Marine Protected Area (MPA) co-management strategy with the municipal government.

The workshop meeting, attended by key figures such as Ms. Haidie Mendoza, the town's Municipal Agriculture Officer (MAO), and Mr. Aaron Aurelio, Municipal Administrator representing the Mayor's Office, spanned the entire day. The focus extended beyond conventional conservation efforts, incorporating a vital component—a blue carbon project to be spearheaded by Ubá.

Dumaran's coastlines adorned with thriving mangroves and seagrasses, harbor a wealth of blue carbon potential. These coastal ecosystems serve as allies in combating climate change, excelling at absorbing and storing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Harnessing the intrinsic value of these blue carbon reservoirs presents Dumaran not only as a contributor to global climate mitigation but also as a community fortifying its ecological resilience.

Uba's recent visit to Dumaran signals our commitment to expanding operations in the Philippines. This expansion is rooted in the belief that such endeavors should be inclusive, fair, and equitable for all stakeholders. Particularly, we are mindful of the communities that depend on these mangrove forests for livelihood, food security, and protection.

While there is still much work to be done—both remotely and on the ground—we are excited about the potential of this project. With the steadfast support of Dumaran's local government, our team is eager to embark on this journey, ensuring a sustainable and impactful collaboration.