Mangrove planting activity in Bulacan launched

HAGONOY, Bulacan, Philippines – A mangrove planting activity in a 10-hectare coastal area in Hagonoy has been launched.

Emelita Lingat, Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Bulacan provincial officer, said they provided technical assistance for the project, with funding  and materials from San Miguel Corp. (SMC) .

At least 25,000 mangrove seedlings will be planted on a 10-hectare area in Barangay Tibaguin. The DENR identified Hagonoy as one of the priority areas for mangrove-planting being one of the lowest-lying towns in Bulacan.

Hagonoy Mayor Raulito Manlapaz Sr. as well as  DENR and SMC officials and volunteers led the planting of 8,000 mangrove seedlings in a three-hectare area on Tuesday. The next planting activity is scheduled in November.

SMC said at least 190,000 mangrove propagules would be planted in a 76-hectare area in Central Luzon.

“This project is a major component of our strategy to help solve flooding in Bulacan. Mangroves are essential to protect against flooding,” SMC president Ramon Ang said.

Ang also cited a P1-billion project to dredge and clean the Tullahan-Tinajeros River system, which started earlier this year.