PALAWAN, PHILIPPINES — WWF held its annual leadership conference last May 21, 2023 in Astoria Palawan in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan, to discuss topics ranging from halting nature loss to accelerating conservation impact and inclusive approach to conservation.
WWF’s representatives were warmly welcomed by Astoria Palawan’s staff, headed by Astoria Hotels and Resorts’ (AHR) Chief Operations Officer Mrs. Vivian S. Ng and former Resort Manager Ms. Joy Suarez. The delegates were regaled by the Banwa Dance Troupe’s cultural dance at Astoria Palawan’s villa beachfront as part of the property’s welcome reception.
The following day was marked by a continuation of the warm welcome displayed towards WWF, as Astoria Hotels and Resorts (AHR) proudly presented its corporate social responsibility initiative, “Sikap Pinoy”. This long-standing project undertaken by AHR is characterized by its consistent outreach to remote communities, aiding individuals in making informed financial decisions and highlighting their respective crafts or trades. As an illustration of one of the initiative’s successes, the Culandanum Tribal Crafts women were invited to display their weaving skills, resulting in the creation of eco-friendly bags and other useful items.
ABOUT WWF
Over six decades, WWF has worked to stop the degradation of the planet’s natural environment and to build a future in which humans live in harmony with nature. As the world’s largest independent conservation organization, WWF remains steadfast in its mission to engage people worldwide, forging alliances with local communities, public and private sector, and governments to cultivate science-based approach to conservation to safeguard the world’s biological diversity, ensuring that the use of renewable natural resources is sustainable, and promoting the reduction of pollution and wasteful consumption.
ASTORIA PALAWAN’S EFFORTS FOR SUSTAINABILITY
By choosing Astoria Palawan as it’s conference venue, WWF recognised that Astoria Palawan has made commendable efforts towards becoming an eco-friendly resort with the objective of maintaining daily operations sustainably. Astoria Palawan has effectively conserved water by utilizing desalination, deep wells, and mountain springs, while also maintaining a collaborative relationship with the Puerto Princesa City Water District. To safeguard this invaluable resource, Astoria Palawan has initiated programs to ensure efficient water usage and minimize wastage.
Catering to all 155 WWF delegates can be a daunting undertaking, but Astoria Palawan rose to the challenge. Its diverse menu of mouth-watering dishes crafted by its seasoned chefs earned the praise of the people at the special dinner set up at Astoria Palawan’s Halo Dome. A scrumptious Barbecue Family Dinner event, as requested by organizers, was made possible by the Food & Beverage team.
Astoria Palawan is serious in the procurement of its food to keep its numerous guests fed. 60% of the ingredients are acquired at the local market, while 20% are proudly home grown at Astoria Palawan’s gardens and nearby community. The remaining 20% are sourced from trusted merchants in Metro Manila.
With Astoria Palawan’s wide range of villas and rooms, delegates also had a restful stay. To help power the resort, Astoria Palawan utilized the power of the sun by installing solar panels. Energy-saving devices are also installed, and staff are trained to use appliances efficiently. To transport guests within the resort, battery-operated vehicles are offered and maintained regularly.
Astoria Palawan has also lessened its carbon footprint by doing eco-friendly practices including waste management, reduced plastic use, and using eco-friendly cleaning supplies. The team has also made it a habit to maintain the green look of Astoria Palawan by planting trees.
WWF delegates received a delectable send off on their last day with seafood locally fished from the Sulu Sea. About 30% of the fishes Astoria Palawan uses come from local fishermen in the area. This is part of the resort’s effort in using its own products to create world-class dishes.
The WWF conference made full use of Astoria Palawan’s biggest event facility, the Mangrove Conference & Convention Center By Astoria. It is a state-of-the-art venue thoughtfully designed to seamlessly integrate work and leisure, positioning Astoria Palawan as the top resort in Puerto Princesa to offer an all-encompassing experience. Spanning an impressive 439 square meters, the center boasts two expansive function rooms that can comfortably accommodate up to 200 guests each, as well as a grand main convention hall capable of hosting up to 450 individuals. With its sleek and sophisticated ambiance, the Mangrove Conference & Convention Center By Astoria is poised to become a premier destination for discerning professionals seeking a dynamic and inspiring setting for their corporate events and gatherings.
