Hundreds of Oslobanons, together with various organizations, jointly undertook a mangrove tree planting last Saturday in barangay Daanlungsod, Oslob town, southern Cebu.
The activity was a concerted effort of Vicsal Foundation, the local government of Oslob, Southeast Cebu Coastal Resource Management Council (SCCRMC) and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).
Approximately three hectares of coastal area were covered during the activity that aims to address climate change.
The activity was a kickoff on the vision of the technical working group to cover the entire southeast coast in Cebu.
International think tank study shows that Philippines ranked 10th among countries most affected by climate change.
Extreme weather events caused death toll and economic losses. It is identified that Philippines is visited by 20 storms every year.
To mitigate these disasters massive mangrove planting has been encouraged.
Mangroves serve as nursery grounds for fish, prawns, and crabs. It also produce leaf litter and decayed matter as food for animals; protect coastal residents from storm waves and tidal currents; provide shelter for migratory and local birds; and is a good source of timber, tannin (dyes) and medicine, among others.
The Vicsal Foundation, SCCRMC, DENR, with the support of Cebu Province, is optimistic on realizing its goal.
The technical working group is encouraging other private institutions to adopt a hectare and help save the environment.
For more queries on the project, contact Mars Cabildo at 2368390 local 221 or e-mail to marce.cabildo@metrogaisano.com or vicsalfoundation@yahoo.com.