Mangrove planting marks Iloilo province’s 125th anniversary

By Mariela Angella Oladive

Provincial government employees, local officials, and community members planted mangroves in Barangay San Fernando, Barotac Viejo, on April 8 as part of Iloilo province’s 125th founding anniversary celebration.

The activity was conducted under the “Tanum Iloilo for MoRProGRes” program of the Provincial Government Environment and Natural Resources Office, which aims to strengthen coastal defenses and promote environmental sustainability.

Vice Gov. Nathalie Ann Debuque, 5th District Board Member Darl Tupas, Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office chief PCol. Cornelio Salinas (Ret.), Mayor Nielo Tupas, and Vice Mayor Vivian Buenavista of Barotac Viejo were among those who joined the planting.

“Mangroves protect our coasts, support marine life, and strengthen our communities against climate risks. More importantly, they remind us that caring for our environment is a shared responsibility. As we celebrate Semana sang Iloilo, let us not forget our role as stewards of the environment,” Debuque said in a statement.

She said the actions taken during the activity will help shape a stronger and more sustainable province for the next 125 years and beyond.

Debuque also noted the participation of local youth, describing their eagerness to help protect the environment as a positive sign for sustained conservation efforts.

The activity, held ahead of Earth Day on April 22, highlighted the vital role of mangroves in mitigating storm surges and coastal erosion while providing breeding grounds for fish and other marine species that support local livelihoods.

Mangroves serve as natural buffers against typhoons and flooding, a critical function in a province regularly exposed to extreme weather events in the Visayas.

“Tanum Iloilo for MoRProGRes” is a tree-growing and forest development initiative that promotes reforestation in forestlands and watershed areas, supports integrated social forestry projects for food security and tourism, and encourages participation from public and private sectors in expanding tree-planting efforts across homes, schools, offices, municipalities, public spaces, highways, and commercial areas.