LEGAZPI CITY — The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) Albay chapter intensified its mangrove reforestation project by planting at least 1,000 propagules on a three-hectare area at the coast of Barangay Puro, Legazpi City in Albay on Sunday, as part of the year-round greening program in celebration of World Environment Month and of the National Disaster Consciousness Month.
Rhaydz Barcia, NUJP Albay chapter president, said in an interview on Monday that the project is in support of the government’s campaign to address and mitigate the impact of sea level rise triggered by global warming.
She said the NUJP aims to plant at least 50,000 mangrove propagules in all coastal barangays of Albay.
“Mangrove forest serves as shield against storm surges, big waves, tsunami and other calamities occurring in intense number. Mangrove ecosystem is effective in protecting towns from coastal natural disasters triggered by the extreme climate due to global warming,” Barcia said.
“Aside from disaster risk importance, mangroves also serve as spawning grounds for fish so we can be of help to improve the fish catch in a way,” she added.
Office of Civil Defense (OCD)-Bicol Regional Director Claudio Yucot said they support the NUJP’s mangrove reforestation project, pointing out that caring for the environment must be everybody’s concern.
“Mangroves serve as protection of the communities living in the coastal town, thus improve livelihood of the people,” he added.
“As we all know, mangroves are habitats of our marine resources and serve as a buffer zone against strong typhoons that are brought about by climate change so it is imperative that we fortify our coastal areas with these mangroves,” Yucot said.
April Alejo, a local resident, said, she also supports the mangrove planting activity, which will help her community protect the environment.
The activity on Sunday was participated in by the tri-media of Albay, the local government of Legazpi City, the Philippine National Police, the Tactical Operations Group-5 and OCD. (Connie Calipay/PNA)
