CAPIZ — Around 500 mangrove seedlings were planted in Barangay Cabugao, Ivisan, on June 19 as part of efforts to strengthen coastal resilience and promote biodiversity conservation.
The mangrove planting activity was spearheaded by the Capiz Provincial Government through the Capiz Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (CaPENRO), in partnership with the Local Government Unit of Ivisan and the Barangay Cabugao local government.
Participants included on-the-job trainees from Aklan State University and Northern Iloilo State University, beneficiaries of the Special Program for the Employment of Students (SPES), barangay officials, and personnel from the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO) and CaPENRO.
The activity resulted in the planting of 500 mangrove seedlings consisting of Bakhaw Bato (Rhizophora stylosa) and Bakhaw Babaye (Rhizophora mucronata), two species known for their role in protecting coastal ecosystems and providing habitat for marine life.
According to CaPENRO, mangroves serve as natural barriers against coastal erosion, storm surges, and flooding while helping mitigate climate change by absorbing and storing carbon dioxide.
Officials said the activity also aimed to raise public awareness on environmental protection and encourage greater community participation in conserving coastal resources.
The participation of students, local officials, and environmental workers underscored the importance of collaborative efforts in preserving coastal ecosystems and promoting sustainable environmental practices.
Provincial officials expressed hope that the newly planted mangroves will thrive and contribute to the long-term protection of Ivisan’s coastline while enhancing marine biodiversity and strengthening the community’s resilience to climate-related hazards.
The activity forms part of the provincial government’s continuing environmental conservation initiatives aimed at protecting and restoring Capiz’s coastal ecosystems./PN
