Pickleball has become one of the fastest-growing sports in the Philippines, drawing new players onto courts nationwide. For ISLA, a Philippine pickleball equipment brand, that growth is also a chance to give back.
A portion of ISLA’s sales now goes toward grassroots marine conservation, through a partnership with Halian SEAwikan, a community group focused on protecting sea turtles in Halian Island, Siargao.
Halian SEAwikan holds Saturday beach cleanups around the island and trains community members as “Sea Beacon Patrollers” and “SEAguardians,” equipping them to help protect and advocate for sea turtles. Its youth programs include a summer feeding program and a roster of kid patrollers who help clean their shores and keep an eye out for protected marine life.
A portion of every ISLA purchase supports the group’s youth programs, environmental education, and marine conservation efforts, including a Basic Sea Turtle Educational Awareness Workshop held in selected island barangays to teach children and communities about sea turtle protection and responsible coastal stewardship.
ISLA has also provided pickleball paddles and balls for the group’s kids, giving them access to play and physical activity alongside their conservation work.
The partnership reflects a broader effort to empower local communities and promote practices that support the preservation of coastal and marine ecosystems for current and future generations.
“Play with Purpose,” as ISLA puts it, is proof that a paddle can make waves beyond the court.
ISLA and Halian SEAwikan’s work can also inspire other brands and communities to take part. Even small, consistent acts like a weekly cleanup, a portion of sales set aside, and a workshop for kids can add up to meaningful environmental impact over time.
