The Okada Manila casino resort in the Philippine capital says it has renewed its commitment to sustainability through its Okada Green Heart programme. The pledge was outlined in the venue’s environmental, social, and governance (ESG) initiatives as part of its “2024 ESG Report”.
“The report outlines how Okada Manila has gone beyond hospitality and gaming to make a meaningful difference through its ESG initiatives,” stated the resort’s promoter in a Monday press release.
“These efforts are part of the resort’s mission to help shape a more sustainable and inclusive future for the Philippines,” it added.
Okada Manila is run by Tiger Resort, Leisure and Entertainment Inc, a unit of Japanese conglomerate Universal Entertainment Corp.
The Okada Green Heart programme is described as the resort’s “long-term sustainability commitment” initiative, with six main pillars: waste management; energy efficiency; water conservation; talent and community; safety, security, and welfare; and responsible gaming.
Okada Manila said it had “recycled more than 1.37 million plastic bottles” since introducing Nordaq’s technology for its in-house water bottling system, using reusable glass containers.
The effort helped divert “over 14,000 kilograms of plastic packaging waste in partnership with PETValue Philippines,” said the announcement.
“Through programmes like ‘Soap for Hope’ and ‘Linen for Life’, the resort helped provide 200 livelihood opportunities for marginalised communities using repurposed hotel waste,” it stated.
“The ‘Food Rescue Project’ also provided over 10,000 surplus meals to those in need,” it added.
The complex also said it was the first of the large-scale resorts within Manila’s Entertainment City zone, to “offer electric vehicle charging stations”. It had also switched to 100-percent LED lighting as well as “installing smart, energy-saving systems across guest rooms and back-of-house areas”.
Regarding water conservation efforts, Okada Manila said it “achieved zero wastewater discharge” into Manila Bay, by making use of “ultrafiltration systems to recycle wastewater for irrigation, flushing, and cooling”.
Okada Manila also said it continued its support for the local community, including via the Okada Foundation Inc, the group’s corporate social responsibility arm. Such efforts included donations to medical institutions and other public-service entities, as well as non-governmental organisations.
Byron Yip, president and chief operating officer of Okada Manila, said in prepared remarks: “Through focused efforts, we reaffirm our commitment to climate action, social equity, and the well-being of future generations. Together, we will build a brighter, more sustainable future—one that upholds the values of humility, teamwork, and creativity that define Okada Manila.”
Mr Yip said the Okada Green Heart programme reflected the group’s “dedication to integrating responsible environmental practices into every aspect” of Okada Manila’s operations.
He added: “Looking ahead, Okada Manila is committed to driving deeper impact through our Okada Green Heart programme by aligning our efforts with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).”
The executive said the resort would seek “concrete, measurable targets” in 2025, by “increasing its single-use plastic recycling rate to 30 percent, cutting food waste by 25 percent, and boosting grey water recycling capacity by 50 percent”.
