NAVFORSOL conducts mangrove planting in Bacacay, Albay

Photo by Serah Mae Cornel

As part of the 14th Re-activation Anniversary, The Philippine Navy Naval Forces Southern Luzon (NAVFORSOL) conducted a mangrove planting activity at PulangLupa, Bacacay, Albay last September 16, 2016.

The Pulanglupa was chosen to be the beneficiary of the mangrove planting activity since it was identified by the Department of Natural Resources (DENR) as a high risk area.

According to Miel Loria, PENRO Albay, the Pulanglupa is part of the Mangrove and Beach Forest Development Program. --The MFDP was a project implemented by the government in response to the environmental disaster due to the onslaught of Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan). Under the Republic Act No. 10633 (GAA 2014) that aims to efficiently and effectively make a coastal barrier within a period of 50 years.

“Mayroon tayo ditong 11.76 hectares na tinaniman ng ating TO last year so hanggang ngayon mini-maintain pa nila, actually nasa second cycle na sila so they are just waiting the notice to proceed para makapagtanim,” Loria added.

According to Deputy Commander Capt.Toribio D. Adaci Jr. PN (GSC), they have coordinated with the DENR and Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer (PENRO) to identify the areas that need environmental care.

“Kagaya nito (Pulanglupa), identified as high risk area lagyan din ng mangrove so ito yung sinuggest nila so kami sumasangayon naman kami sa mga advice ng mga taga DENR,” Captain Adaci added.

Furthermore, the mangrove planting was participated by the DENR, PENRO-Albay, Philippine Coastguard, Philippine National Police, Navy Reservists and students from Bicol University College of Arts and Letters (BUCAL).

In addition, at least 6,000 mangrove seedlings were planted during the activity.

Mangroves stabilize shorelines, preventing erosions and serves as a barrier against waves and storms protecting the land and the people living near the area. It also provide essential habitat for thousands of species.

The tree planting activity is just one of the activities prepared for the 14th Re-activation anniversary of the NAVFORSOL. They also have Health Care Fair, Religious Confirmation for the dependents of the soldiers, sports activities and the culminating activity that will be held on October 4, which is the anniversary proper of the Philippine Navy.