Mangroves constitute 1% of the total forest area and stand to provide structural support to coastal communities by acting as natural barriers against disasters. They also store large amounts of carbon which aid in climate change mitigation and adaptation.
This year, Republic Cement Iligan Plant has completed another leg of the Mangrove Reforestation and Rehabilitation Project in Bayug Island Hinaplanon, Iligan City last March 24 and is now on its 2nd year of implementation. This project was realized with assistance from the Barangay Council of Brgy. Hinaplanon and DENR-Region 10.
As part of the Earth Day 2018 celebration, over 400 volunteers from the Republic Cement Iligan Plant, Pilmico, our host communities, and partner organizations participated in the planting activity. A total of 3,500 bakhaw or mangrove propagules were planted during the activity.
The Mangrove Reforestation and Rehabilitation Project is a 3-year project which aims to grow more than 100,000 mangrove propagules covering at least five (5) hectares of mangrove areas in Bayug Island. To date, we have successfully planted 83,500 propagules.
We congratulate and acknowledge the Iligan Team and all volunteers from our host communities and partner organizations for planting mangroves again this year. We will continue with our reforestation efforts in the coming years, as we create awareness to contribute to building a greener, stronger Republic.