SBMA, BJMP ink pact on mangrove area development
OLONGAPO CITY – The development and maintenance of about 400 square meters of mangrove area is set to be undertaken in the Subic Bay Freeport under the Adopt-A-Mangrove Program, the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) said.
Under the program, SBMA will assign a portion of its mangrove forest for adoption by Bureau of Jail Management and Penology – Regional Office 3 (BJMPRO3) and provide mangrove seedlings from the agency’s nursery.
The partnership was formalized through the signing of a memorandum of agreement last week between SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose Aliño and BJMPRO3 Jail Chief Superintendent Paulino Moreno Jr.
Aliño said SBMA will monitor and evaluate the adopted mangrove area annually.
“After completing the three-year program, SBMA will award BJMPRO3 with a Certificate of Completion upon the turnover of the area,” he said.
Moreno said BJMP personnel will plant at least 100 mangrove seedlings and ensure the survival of the planted propagules in the designated area.
He added that BJMP personnel will also conduct regular cleanup activities and provide manpower to maintain the adopted site before turning it over to SBMA after three years.
The Subic Bay Freeport hosts at least 61 hectares of protected mangrove forests, primarily located in Triboa Bay, Binictican, and Malawaan, which serve as natural coastal protection, wildlife habitats, and ecotourism sites. /gsg
