HALE MANNA'S SUSTAINABILITY EFFORTS
Hale Manna continues to invest on various energy saving efforts and ecologically-conscious practices to move closer toward achieving our vision of sustainable coastal tourism. Your stay with us not only contributes to continued business activity, but also directly supports our sustainability efforts. Below are some of the ways in which this is done.
LIVING WITH NATURE
From the start it has been our policy to keep existing indigenous trees, and follow the natural contour of the coastal environment. Instead of flattening out the landscape, the coastal gardens have retained their natural depressions and mounds.
The sprawling garden along the shore is a testament of this commitment. Many of the trees, known locally as malabato trees belong to the mangrove family. We’ve situated pocket gardens or nooks where guests may gather to take in the fresh air, sunset, and expansive view of the sea.
The Tañon Strait, the body of water between Cebu and Negros Islands is a Protected Seascape. Thus there are strict rules on any development along the island coastlines. Hale Manna is compliant with a DENR Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) and practices a 20-meter easement on fixed and heavy development from the shoreline high-water mark. That is why there are no rooms situated right in front of the beach/water in compliance with the law and as good practice for climate change mitigation.
Sand on our shores are also not permanent. It "moves" with the changes in the monsoon winds. During Habagat (Southwest wind) season, sand fills up our shores. But when Amihan (Northeast wind) season comes, sand gradually transfers and accumulates in the "White Beach", public beach area of the Moalboal peninsula. There is no "imported sand" in Hale Manna as we respect the seasonality of nature.
SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT
We have done away with plastic, sachet-type shampoo and conditioners provided to every guests for their stay. Instead, every room shower is equipped with bath soap and shampoo with conditioner dispensers. This significantly reduces the plastic waste generated.
Emptied wine bottles are cleaned, sanitized and reused as drinking water bottles. Backyard composting also helps to keep our gardens lush and naturally fertilized. We also cultivate herb and vegetable gardens that complement the food we serve our guests.
Emptied wine bottles are cleaned, sanitized and reused as drinking water bottles. Backyard composting also helps to keep our gardens lush and naturally fertilized. We also cultivate herb and vegetable gardens that complement the food we serve our guests.
NON-MOTORIZED SEA AMENITIES
The Municipality of Moalboal prides itself for its rich marine biodiversity witnessed by activities such as diving and snorkeling, and the existence of municipal protected areas (MPAs) or marine sanctuaries. In support of this, Hale Manna provides its guests with the free use of non-motorized and low-impact amenities such as kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards. In this way, harmful motor vibration and fuel discharge from watercraft like jet skis and speedboats do not disturb, degrade, and pollute our precious marine ecosystem. We also provide it free of use to all our in-house guests and day users, as a way of "marine education evangelization" -- to educate and incentivize the appreciation of our rich marine biodiversity; so that more may see the importance of conserving marine life.
SOLAR ENERGY
Hale Manna's electricity consumption is powered partially by solar energy at about 35 kWp. Thanks to a green energy loan facility from the Landbank of the Philippines, Hale Manna was able to setup a net metered solar inverter system to help reduce electric bills on the long term while also doing our part in lowering our carbon footprint. Light bulbs used across the resort are also using energy-saving LED technology.
FRESH WATER CONSERVATION
Fresh water in Moalboal is very expensive due to the lack of water distribution infrastructure in our area. Because of this, every drop really does count!
Rainwater catchment systems have been setup in our main buildings to store rain water for use as grey water in gardening and in toilet flushing requirements. Our swimming pools also don't use fresh water and rather are setup as filtered seawater pools. Apart from significant fresh water savings, saltwater pools also provide a pleasant, therapeutic swimming experience. |
SUPPORT LOCAL
Hale Manna believes that the success of a business venture hinges also on the success of the community it is part of. We continue to support sourcing local produce and products throughout the value chain of our services.
For one, beach shoes offered for free as protective gear for our guests are made from recycled rubber tires and sourced from a neighboring municipality.
Providing employment to at least 40 families from Moalboal also contribute to building the local economy.
For one, beach shoes offered for free as protective gear for our guests are made from recycled rubber tires and sourced from a neighboring municipality.
Providing employment to at least 40 families from Moalboal also contribute to building the local economy.
COLLABORATIVE GOVERNANCE
Hale Manna also works closely with the municipal tourism office of Moalboal in ensuring tourism protocols and local government rules and regulations are enforced in our resort. Carrying capacity of the resort is also strictly enforced. Hale Manna limits the number of guests with priority to in-house guests, while the local government requires a tourism pass be secured, payment of an environmental user's fee (EUF), and a cap on day users.
Public-private partnership in basic coordinating activities, standards and safety accreditation, help keeps us up-to-date with requirements and remain an active stakeholder in local governance. We believe that success on each side, redounds to success for the community as a whole.
Public-private partnership in basic coordinating activities, standards and safety accreditation, help keeps us up-to-date with requirements and remain an active stakeholder in local governance. We believe that success on each side, redounds to success for the community as a whole.