Dubai, UAE – March 8, 2025 – In a groundbreaking move towards environmental conservation, the Philippine Consulate General in Dubai has partnered with GoMommy.ae to launch its first mangrove tree planting initiative, “Kandili.” The event, held on March 7, 2025, at Jebel Ali Wildlife Sanctuary, is part of the Consulate’s “Labindalawa” campaign, reinforcing its commitment to sustainability and ecological stewardship.
Derived from the Filipino language, “Kandili” symbolizes protective care, nurturing, and deep concern. This initiative highlights the Filipino value of malasakit—a deep-rooted duty to care not just for people but also for the environment. By planting mangrove trees, the project aims to promote climate resilience, biodiversity conservation, and coastal protection while empowering communities to take an active role in environmental preservation.
A Commitment to a Greener Future
Mangrove trees serve as nature’s frontline defense against coastal erosion, provide habitats for marine life, and contribute significantly to carbon sequestration. “Kandili” aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in climate action, clean water and sanitation, sustainable cities, and life on land and below water.
“Kandili is more than just a tree planting activity; it is about instilling a culture of sustainability. Our freedom is defined by our responsibility to nurture the world around us,” said Consul General Marford M. Angeles. “As Filipinos, we take pride in our bayanihan spirit, and through this initiative, we extend that collective effort to safeguarding nature for future generations.”
Recognizing Women in Sustainability and Tech
During the event, Consul General Angeles recognized Mrs. Bea Bagac-Lataza, Co-founder and CEO of GoMommy.ae, for her leadership in combining technology and sustainability. He applauded her vision of making tree-planting more accessible through GoMommy’s innovative “Gift a Tree” cards.
“It is rare to find a woman-led tech company truly making an impact. GoMommy exemplifies this by integrating environmental responsibility into its business model,” remarked Angeles.
Additionally, Major Ali Al Suweidi, Founder and CEO of the Emirates Marine Environmental Group (EMEG), expressed admiration for Mrs. Bagac-Lataza’s dedication to the One Billion Tree Planting Initiative (OBTI). He praised her as a trailblazer among Filipinas in sustainability and reaffirmed EMEG’s support for GoMommy’s initiatives.
A Collaboration for Change
Mr. Kharl Lataza, Head Web Developer of GoMommy.ae, expressed gratitude to the Philippine Consulate General in Dubai (PCG) for trusting their platform to drive positive environmental change. Mrs. Bea Bagac-Lataza shared that GoMommy.ae was inspired by her journey as a mother and entrepreneur, providing affordable web solutions for mompreneurs while integrating sustainability into its mission.
The event saw the participation of prominent figures, including Ms. Josie Conlu, Madam Maryam Delim Aljawi (new owner of The Filipino Global Magazine), and Mr. Brian Aguilar (Founder of Cryptogram).
How to Get Involved
GoMommy’s “Gift a Tree” card allows individuals to contribute to reforestation efforts in the UAE. For every website created through GoMommy.ae, one tree is planted in partnership with The Storey Group, EcoMatcher, and EMEG.
To purchase a “Gift a Tree” card, visit GoMommy’s Instagram @gomommy.ae or Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/gomommy.ae. With over 100 merchants in Dubai, Sharjah, and Abu Dhabi offering these eco-friendly cards, there are multiple ways to take part in the movement. For more details, contact Mrs. Bea Bagac-Lataza at bea.b@gomommy.ae.
About the Philippine Consulate General in Dubai
The Philippine Consulate General in Dubai is dedicated to serving the Filipino community in the UAE while promoting the values and interests of the Philippines. The Consulate organizes initiatives that strengthen diplomatic relations and champion sustainable development efforts.
About GoMommy.ae
GoMommy.ae is a UAE-based web hosting and domain provider offering user-friendly solutions for website creation and email marketing. Beyond business technology, GoMommy integrates sustainability by planting a tree for every website built on its platform. It is a proud supporter of the One Billion Tree Planting Initiative (OBTI) and actively collaborates with The Storey Group, EcoMatcher, and EMEG to promote environmental conservation in the UAE.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Bea Bagac-Lataza
CEO, GoMommy.ae
Email: bea.b@gomommy.ae
Website: www.gomommy.ae
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