BALANGA CITY — The Young Bataeños for Environmental Advocacy Network (YoungBEAN) in partnership with the Nuclear/Coal-Free Bataan Movement initiated the planting of mangrove seedlings and coastal cleanup at the Wetland and Nature Park here Saturday.
Enrique Beren, YoungBEAN secretary general, said the activities were in coordination with Barangay Tortugas and the Balanga City tourism office as part of the preparation for the 10th anniversary of tropical storm Yolanda.
Yolanda, considered as one of the strongest typhoons, badly hit the Philippines on November 8, 2013.
More than 60 YoungBEAN members and 20 from the community Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management Council led by Tortugas Barangay chairperson Roda dela Cruz joined the activities.
The mangrove-planting and coastal cleanup aimed to remind the public of the importance of mangroves as protection of the coastal areas that prevent coastal erosion and help block storm surges.
The participants later lighted candles and offered flowers in remembrance of those who perished during the calamity.
“Ang mga bagyo at kalamidad ay patuloy na kumikitil ng buhay kung kaya ang pagharap dito ay urgent. Kailangan natin tiyakin na ang kinabukasan ng ating mga kabataan ay hindi mamemeligro dahil sa ating kapabayaan at kawalang aksyon ng mga namumuno sa pamahalaan sa ating bansa at sa buong mundo. Wala na tayong panahon para mag-atubili pa. Ngayon na ang panahon para ipatupad ang hustisyang pangklima,” Beren urged.
