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In line with the celebration of World Mangrove Day on July 26, 2019, the DENR CALABARZON Conservation and Development Division organized a mangrove tree planting activity, conducted at Barangay Talisay, Calatagan, Batangas.
 
The mangrove tree planting activity was participated in by 60 volunteers from the DENR CALABARZON, CENRO Calaca, Batangas, Ecosystems Research and Development Bureau (ERDB), Local Government Unit of Brgy. Talisay, and the Samahan ng Nagkakaisang Mangingisda sa Barangay Talisay (SNMBT) People’s Organization. A total of 1,200 propagules of Bakawang Lalaki and Bakawang Bato species were planted.
 
According to Ms. Violy Gulapo, Senior Science Research Specialist from the ERDB, a total number of 500,000 hectares of mangrove forest in 1918, has drastically gone down to only 117,000 hectares in 1995. In 2011, it has gradually increased to 257,362 hectares[1] which may be attributed to coastal rehabilitation programs implemented by government, NGO and communities. She added that three main functions of the Mangrove Ecosystems are for fishery production, for environmental protection, and as a carbon sink. She commended the Agency for conducting Mangrove rehabilitation programs but she reminded that people conducting planting activities should have enough knowledge in proper zonation of the mangrove. She emphasized that we have to monitor the success rate of every planting activity.
 
Mr. Rodrigo de Jesus, president of the SNMBT, disclosed that their organization does regular mangrove planting activities since 2007.
 
[1] DOST ScINET-PHIL accessed on July 29, 2019 http://scinet.dost.gov.ph/union/ShowSearchResult.php?s=2&f=&p=&x=&page=&sid=1&id=Carbon+sink+potential+of+the+Philippine+mangrove+forest&Mtype=ANALYTICS