PB to LGUs: Replicate mangrove initiative

CEBU, Philippines — The Cebu Provincial Board is encouraging other local government units (LGU) in the province to replicate the establishment of a Mangrove Propagation and Information Center in Day-as, Cordova town.

Initiated by the Metro Pacific Investments Corporation (MPIC), the establishment of the center is ahead of the construction of its P27.9-billion Cebu Cordova Link Expressway (CCLEX) to assure and promote sound environmental practices toward sustainable development.

The Cebu PB recently passed a resolution sponsored by Board Member Thadeo Jovito Ouano encouraging LGU leaders to be proactive in the promotion of the mangrove propagation and information center to raise awareness in the rescue and restoration of mangroves.

“It is a declared policy of the constitution for the State to protect and advance the right of the people to a balanced and healthful ecology in accord with the rhythm and harmony of nature,” Ouano said.

The center aims to help rescue, restore, and revive the mangroves, protect these areas from further degradation, as well as to create awareness of the importance of mangroves.

It also advocates the propagation and protection of mangrove trees in coastal estuaries, including the rehabilitation of degraded mangroves and provides information to locals, tourists and guests on the values and benefits of mangroves in our ecosystem.

Mangrove forests are home to a large variety of fish, crab, and mollusk species, and such species form an essential source of food to several communities.

Mangroves also shield inland areas from huge waves generated by storms and minimize damage.

The center is initiated by MPIC Foundation under its Shore It Up! (SIU) campaign, the company’s environmental awareness initiative.

SIU is an environmental corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative of MPICF and the lead advocate for coastal community engagement of the MVP Group of Companies.

It is actively involved in the sustainable development and restoration of the ocean’s natural resources by closely working with local government units of coastal communities in raising environmental awareness, providing alternative livelihood, and promoting eco-tourism.

While they are committed to providing infrastructure projects, the MPIC is also environmentally conscious, said its president and CEO Jose Maria Lim.

Cordova Mayor Mary Therese Sitoy-Cho welcomed the establishment of the center, saying that they are blessed and honored to take a major part in MPIC’s quest to rescue, restore and revive the coastal and marine environment. —GAN (FREEMAN)