DENR VI marks mangrove ecosystem day in Ajuy

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The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Region VI celebrated the International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem with an appreciation activity and coastal cleanup on July 31, 2025, at the Elmer Babiera Biodiversity Learning Center and Pedada Integrated Mangroves Ecopark in Barangay Pedada, Ajuy, Iloilo.

The event gathered 63 volunteers, including DENR VI personnel, the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources (ENR) Office of Iloilo, the Community ENR Office of Sara and their on-the-job trainees from West Visayas State University, the Municipal ENR Office of the Ajuy local government unit, Barangay Pedada officials, and members of the Barangay Pedada Fisherfolk Association, who actively supported the activity.

Forester Doris Atis, chief of the Coastal Resource and Foreshore Management Section, opened the event with a lecture on the importance of mangrove ecosystems to the community.

The Conservation and Development Division, led by Chief Forester Gloria Flores, spearheaded the coastal cleanup, during which volunteers collected 17 sacks of plastic-dominant waste weighing about 216 kilos.

Julen Babiera, a member of the local people’s organization, led a demonstration on seed propagation of pagatpat (Sonneratia alba), which participants found both educational and enjoyable. (DENR-6)