Biz group pushes for mangrove rehab in Negros Occ shorelines

By Dolly Yasa

BACOLOD CITY – Metro Bacolod Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MBCCI) Chief Executive Officer Frank Carbon is advocating for the replication of the “Mangrove Rehab and Conservation” project in shoreline barangays across Negros Occidental.

Carbon told Daily Guardian on Tuesday that the project was first launched in Talisay City as a joint initiative of the Province of Negros Occidental, Talisay City, and the MBCCI.

“It was primarily conceived to preserve our shoreline and seas ecosystem for future generations and to enhance job generation and livelihood creation in rural Negros,” Carbon said.

He added that the project serves as a demonstration and research farm for replication across all shoreline barangays of Negros Occidental.

Carbon noted that it also supports the Blue Economy Act and the Philippine Ecosystem and Natural Capital Accounting Act, initiatives led by 3rd District Representative Francisco “Kiko” Benitez.

With the project’s initial launch in Talisay City within the 3rd district, Carbon expressed hope that Representative Benitez would help replicate the efforts in other barangays within the district.

Talisay City Mayor Neil Lizares earlier expressed gratitude to the MBCCI, led by Carbon, for its significant contributions to environmental conservation, particularly in Barangay Zone 3.

In a press statement, the Talisay City government noted that the MBCCI installed a makeshift fence made from approximately 100 used tires to rehabilitate and protect a critical 1,000-square-meter mangrove area.

This innovative project aims to safeguard newly planted mangroves, which are crucial for preventing soil erosion, protecting fish landing zones, and enhancing overall biodiversity.

“The dedication of MBCCI to mangrove conservation is unwavering. Their efforts extend beyond ecosystem protection, highlighting the crucial role of mangrove production areas in broader environmental sustainability,” Lizares said.

The MBCCI also initiated a two-day livelihood training for 20 Talisaynons, mostly housewives, on goods manufacturing and food safety practices to enhance economic prospects.

The business group provided the necessary tools for the training, while trainers from the Talisay City Cooperative and Livelihood Development Office, led by Caroline Tabianan, were tapped as resource persons, enabling these women to significantly contribute to their families’ incomes and the community’s overall prosperity.

This collaborative project, involving the MBCCI, Office of the Provincial Agriculturist, Provincial Environment Management Office, the provincial government of Negros Occidental, and the City of Talisay, aims to boost the crab industry and enhance the economic landscape by emphasizing sustainability, community livelihood, and environmental stewardship.

Carbon presented an insightful overview of the critical role mangroves play in protecting coastal waters and habitats, educating, and inspiring the community to take proactive steps in nurturing and safeguarding their environment.