Gov’t keeps providing mangrove seedlings to typhoon-hit towns

CEBU, Philippines -  To bring back the mangrove areas in northern Cebu, which has been affected by typhoon Yolanda, the provincial government, through the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office, continues to distribute mangrove seedlings and has so far released 56,000 mangroves to typhoon-battered towns.

PENRO chief Czareem Joseph Estella said that the provision of mangrove seedlings is part of their office’s rehabilitation programs for areas in northern Cebu which had mangrove areas but were damaged by the typhoon.

In his presentation of the office’s programs during the first “KapiEstorya” on Friday, Estella said that they have produced and distributed at least 67,530 mangrove seedlings, 56,000 of which were given to typhoon Yolanda affected areas.

Apart from providing the seedlings, Estella said they also participate in planting activities, in coordination with local government units and private organizations.

Eight sites have been documented in the planting of the seedlings, which include Bantayan, Compostela, Liloan and Consolacion.

In the planting activity, PENRO showed the participants the proper way of planting and tending to the mangrove seedlings.

PENRO aims to plant 1.5 million mangroves for this year as they continue to partner with private groups and fisherfolk who would benefit from mangrove planting and livelihood.

Meanwhile, apart from mangroves, PENRO continues to distribute different seedlings to different towns and groups, including schools. 

So far, PENRO has distributed 59,148 forest and fruit tree seedlings.

The office has also partnered with the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. and the Department of Interior and Local Government-Cebu Province for tree planting activities.

PENRO also aims to plant 1.5 million trees every year.  — NSA (FREEMAN)