SASMUAN, Pampanga — The local government here has engaged the support private organizations and corporate entities in efforts to protect the town’s coastal areas.
On Feb. 20, members of the Rotary Club of Dolores (RCD) and employees from Hann Resort, Hann Reserve, and Marriott Hotel Clark planted two kinds of mangroves along the shoreline of the town.
In a pre-planting briefing, municipal tourism officer Jayson Salenga noted the importance of mangroves in protecting several barangays from strong waves and rising sea water.
He explained that mangroves help prevent coastal areas from being washed away.
RCD president Albert Lacanlale said the mangrove planting is part of the club’s projects for the current Rotary Year, with focus on protecting the environment.
He added that the City of San Fernando-based club plans to make the mangrove planting a yearly activity, expressing hopes that future club officers will continue the program.
Aside from designating the area RCD will take care of, the local government is also giving technical guidance on what type of mangroves or trees should be planted depending on the season.
Lacanlale said the project may not be limited to mangroves. They may also plant fruit-bearing trees and other plants that can help protect the coast from strong river currents.
Hann Foundation manager Ronnel T. Golimlim said he hopes more organizations will follow the RCD example, considering the wide areas in Sasmuan that still need mangrove planting.
The Sasmuan BakaOne Project is supported by Hann Foundation, which funded the building of a mangrove seedling nursery and protective dikes made of bamboo poles.
To make sure the seedlings grow, the local government will regularly monitor the planted mangroves.
They will inform the Rotary Club and Hann Foundation if additional planting is needed.
Aside from protecting the environment, the mangrove planting activity also helps boost local tourism and trade. It provides income for tour guides, mangrove seedling growers, food processors, boatmen, and fisherfolk.
The local government offers mangrove planting activities to interested groups for P1,800 per person. The fee includes environmental charges, boat rides, breakfast and lunch, mangrove seedlings, and a tour of mangrove sites and fishing communities.
Press release
