The 3.2 hectare Toledo Mangrove River Park in barangay Ibo, Toledo City was unveiled yesterday morning.
The project is bankrolled by the Global Business Power Corp. (GBPC) which owns the Toledo Power Company in partnership with the Toledo City government.
Phase I of the mangrove reforestation project would cover approximately one kilometer of coastline.
GBPC will spend P4.5 million for this environmental project. Another P4.5 million will be spent for the phase 2 of the project in barangay Poblacion and Tubod.
This project is part of the company’s corporate social responsibility program. GBPC is planning to build an 82 megawatt coal-fired power plant by 2014.
It’s a joint project of the City Government of Toledo and the power firms of Global Business Power Corp. (GBPC) which consists of the Toledo Power and Cebu Energy.
“We are pleased to be part of the first phase of the Toledo Mangrove River Park Project. As part of Global Power’s solid dedication in preserving the environment, it is our great privilege to partner with the city of Toledo in rehabilitating its mangrove ecosystem and in boosting economic activity in the area,” GBPC president Arthur Aguilar said.
The unveiling was witnessed by Toledo City Mayor Aurelio Espinosa, Aguilar, Toledo Vice-Mayor Arlene Zambo, DENR representative Fedencio Carreon, and three barangay officials.
Mayor Espinosa said the mangrove park, aside from enhancing their coastal environment, which is part of the Tañon Strait Protected Seascape, will also attract tourists to their city.
Espinosa added: “Our number one purpose is to make these area viable by rehabilitating the current state of the mangrove area so that this will become an eco-tourism destination and finally create livelihood for the residents of this area.”
Espinosa said the ball now is to be passed to the barangay officials who manage the mangrove ecosystem.
Yesterday the participants also enjoyed the river cruising in the rich mangrove habitat./Correspondent Tweeny M. Malinao