Privacy Policy

PHILIPPINE OCEAN BUSINESS Corp. ("we", "us", or "our") respects your privacy and is committed to protecting the personal data of our website visitors, carbon offset partners, project stakeholders, and our partner indigenous communities, including the Aeta Community. This Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, safeguard, and disclose your information when you visit our website or engage with our forestry and carbon sequestration initiatives.

1. Information We Collect

Depending on how you interact with us, we may collect the following types of information:

• General User Data: Name, email address, phone number, and organization details when you contact us, partner with us, or purchase carbon offsets.
• Project & Environmental Data: Land-use data, forestry metrics, geolocation coordinates of reforestation sites, and carbon sequestration verification reports.
• Aeta Community & Indigenous Stakeholder Data: Information collected pursuant to strict community protocols and Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC). This may include community representative details, traditional ecological knowledge (shared with explicit consent), documentation of community-based benefit-sharing agreements, and project participation records.
• Website Technical Data: IP address, browser type, device information, and cookies to improve website functionality.

2. How We Use Your Information

We use the collected information for ethical, environmental, and operational purposes, specifically to:

• Manage and verify carbon sequestration, forestry, and reforestation projects.
• Ensure transparent and equitable benefit-sharing mechanisms with the Aeta community and local stakeholders.
• Comply with national and international carbon crediting standards, environmental regulations, and indigenous peoples' rights laws (such as the Indigenous Peoples' Rights Act - IPRA).
• Process transactions, communicate with project investors, and provide sustainability reports.
• Respond to inquiries, provide customer support, and share updates regarding our environmental missions.

3. Disclosure and Sharing of Information

We do not sell, trade, or rent personal data. We may share information strictly under the following circumstances:

• Carbon Auditors & Verifiers: Trusted third-party carbon standards organizations and auditors requiring data to verify carbon credit issuance and environmental impact.
• Community Leadership: Information shared internally with authorized Aeta community leaders solely for project governance and transparent benefit distribution.
• Legal and Regulatory Compliance: When required by Philippine law, environmental protection agencies, or national commissions protecting indigenous rights.

4. Data Security

We implement robust administrative, technical, and physical security measures—complying with the Data Privacy Act of 2012 (RA 10173)—to protect sensitive environmental records, transactional information, and community data against unauthorized access.

5. Your Rights

Under the Data Privacy Act of 2012, you have the right to access, correct, or request the deletion of your personal data. You may also object to processing or request data portability where applicable. If you wish to exercise any of these rights, please contact our Data Protection Officer.

6. Third-Party Links

Our website may contain links to third-party websites, plug-ins, or services (such as partner organizations or certification standards). We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of these external sites and encourage you to review their privacy policies.

7. Updates to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically to reflect changes in our legal, technical, or operational practices. Any changes will be posted on this page with an updated effective date.

Terms and Conditions

1. Acceptance of Terms

By accessing or using the services provided by PHILIPPINE OCEAN BUSINESS CORP. ("we", "us", or "our"), including our website, carbon offset programs, and training initiatives, you agree to comply with and be bound by these Terms and Conditions. If you do not agree, please refrain from using our website and services.

2. Reforestation & Carbon Sequestration Projects

Our reforestation and carbon offsetting initiatives are conducted in partnership with local communities, government units (e.g., DENR), and academic institutions. While we adhere to recognized verification standards, carbon credit estimations and environmental benefits are subject to natural factors, site conditions, and ongoing field evaluations.

3. Indigenous Community & Cultural Respect

All activities involving ancestral domains, including those of the Aeta community, operate strictly under Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) principles and the Indigenous Peoples' Rights Act (IPRA). Users and partners must respect indigenous governance, cultural heritage, and traditional ecological practices.

4. Payments, Donations & Plantings

Contributions made toward individual or corporate tree planting, training programs, or carbon offsetting options (including via GCash or other payment methods) are non-refundable once allocated to nursery production or field planting operations, except as required by applicable Philippine law.

5. Intellectual Property

All content, branding, logos, graphics, mapping data, and media featured on this website are the intellectual property of PHILIPPINE OCEAN BUSINESS CORP or its licensors. Unauthorized reproduction or redistribution without explicit written consent is prohibited.

6. Limitation of Liability

PHILIPPINE OCEAN BUSINESS CORPORATION shall not be held liable for indirect, incidental, or consequential damages resulting from website downtime, third-party service integrations, or natural disasters affecting field restoration sites beyond reasonable operational control.