On January 29, 2026, ASEZ and the Villar Foundation Philippines signed an MOU (Memorandum of Understanding) for environmental cooperation at the auditorium of the LPPWP (Las Piñas–Parañaque Wetland Park).
This agreement outlines mid- to long-term collaboration between the two organizations to protect wetland ecosystems, strengthen climate resilience, and promote community-based sustainability programs. It is particularly meaningful as it formalizes a partnership between ASEZ, a youth-led environmental organization, and one of the Philippines’ leading environmental and social welfare foundations.
The Las Piñas–Parañaque Wetland Park, located along Manila Bay, is a vital wetland designated as a protected area under Republic Act No. 11038 (the ENIPAS Act). It is also recognized as a Wetland of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention. Amid increasing pressures from urban development, marine waste, and the climate crisis, the active participation of government, civil society, academia, young adults, and local communities is essential to preserving its ecosystem.
Former Senator Cynthia Villar clearly expressed the significance of the agreement in her congratulatory remarks and interview. She stated, “This MOU is an important step for our nature,” emphasizing that it aims to further strengthen cooperation in protecting the Las Piñas–Parañaque Wetland Park, enhancing climate resilience, and advancing community programs centered on sustainability.
She continued, “As a long-time guardian of LPPWP, I have consistently worked to protect this area—from the enactment of Republic Act No. 11038 (the ENIPAS Act), which designated it as a protected area, to its recognition as a Wetland of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention. Through our joint actions, we are choosing to prioritize the future of our planet and the next generation.” She added that this partnership with ASEZ is a continuation of those ongoing efforts.
Building on this agreement, ASEZ plans to systematically expand its youth-led environmental programs centered around LPPWP.
A representative of ASEZ in the Philippines stated, “LPPWP is an extremely important site for biodiversity and climate resilience. Through this partnership, we hope to combine the Villar Foundation’s experience in ecological conservation and resource circulation with ASEZ’s youth network and strong field implementation capabilities to create more tangible change.” The representative also shared future plans, saying, “We aim to gradually implement initiatives such as plastic reduction, marine and coastal protection, climate education, and community engagement programs, ultimately developing LPPWP into a key hub for youth-led environmental action in the Philippines.”
The signing of this MOU is not a one-time commitment, but the starting point of continued joint action to protect a wetland of international importance and respond to the climate crisis. Moving forward, ASEZ and the Villar Foundation will carry out regular clean-up activities, environmental education programs for youth and university students, and community awareness campaigns, working together to establish the Las Piñas–Parañaque Wetland Park as a leading youth- and community-based model for nature conservation in the Philippines.