Mangrove tree planting carries on in Hagonoy

Nash Villena August 24, 2023

Hagonoy, a low-lying area in the province of Bulacan and home to clusters of centuries-old mangrove forests in the country. Photo from Nash Villena/The Communiqué "Hindi pala biro ang pagtatanim. Kailangan maayos, maingat ang pagtanim ng mangrove dahil madali ito mamatay."

(Planting is no joke. Planting mangrove requires attention, and care as it could die easily).

These were the words of Ken Robelas, a junior-year BS Food Technology student from the College of Science, who volunteered with other youth and members of the private sector in a mangrove tree planting partnership in Sucol Bukid, Barangay San Sebastian, Hagonoy, Bulacan.

Dubbed “Baklod” is a product of a partnership of Bulacan State University Student Government (BulSU SG) with Junior Chamber International Philippines - Malolos (JCI) and Sentrify Technologies Corporation, which took place on August 19 and 21.

Alongside them were volunteers from the SG Office of the Vice President and SG Environmental Committee.

The mangrove tree planting was hosted at Tatay Matthew’s place, a local from Sucol Bukid, and the propagules, or vegetative structures, were from JCI Aklan Kalantiao.

"Masaya dahil naging matagumpay ang proyekto kahit na may mga balakid katulad ng high tide," Robelas told TC when asked about his experience.

(Happy because the project turned out to be a success despite the struggle caused by the hightide).

Mangroves are tropical and subtropical flowering plants which belong to the family of Rhizophoraceae. They are also known for their long lifespans lasting up to decades. Forests of mangroves can keep the coastlines stabilized, minimizing soil erosion from tides and strong currents, and serve as shelters for commercial fish among others. After four months, the planted mangrove propagules are expected to be transferred to their rightful place. Robelas encourages fellow BulSUans and volunteers who might be interested in participating in these kinds of initiatives. "Hindi ka lang nakakatulong sa kalikasan ... natutulungan din nito mapalawig ang kaalaman sa mga ganitong gawain,” he added.

(You’re not only doing a favor to nature ... you’re also advocating to spread awareness about these kinds of initiatives.)