Negros Power joins Bago mangrove planting drive

BAGO CITY, Negros Occidental — Negros Power joined a mangrove planting and coastal cleanup activity in Barangay Sampinit, Bago City, as part of local efforts to mark World Ocean Day and strengthen coastal conservation.

The activity, organized by the City Environment Management Office, was held June 9, 2025, at Purok Calubay, Barangay Sampinit.

About 200 participants from government agencies, private organizations, community groups, and volunteer organizations took part in the environmental activity.

Organizers said the initiative aimed to promote coastal conservation, environmental protection, and public participation in preserving marine and shoreline ecosystems.

A total of 5,000 mangrove propagules were planted along the coastal area.

The planted mangrove species included Bakhaw Bato, or Rhizophora stylosa; Bakhaw Babayi, or Rhizophora mucronata; Bungalon, or Avicennia rumphiana; and Avicennia marina, commonly known as Grey Mangrove.

Organizers said the mangroves are expected to help strengthen shoreline protection, improve marine biodiversity, and support climate change mitigation efforts.

Participants also conducted a coastal cleanup drive, collecting waste materials along the shoreline to help protect coastal ecosystems and promote environmental responsibility among residents and partner groups.

Negros Power said its participation was part of its “Ikaw Ang Una” campaign, which focuses on programs that put communities first through safety, sustainability, and social responsibility initiatives.

Unice Castillon, community relations assistant manager of Negros Power, said environmental conservation is aligned with the company’s commitment to serve communities beyond providing reliable electricity.

“Through our Ikaw Ang Una campaign, we continue to prioritize programs that create lasting benefits for our communities. Protecting our environment is a shared responsibility, and activities like mangrove planting and coastal cleanup allow us to contribute to the preservation of our coastal resources while inspiring others to take part in environmental stewardship. We are grateful for the opportunity to join this meaningful World Ocean Day celebration and support efforts toward a greener and more sustainable future,” Castillon said.

World Ocean Day is observed globally on June 8 to raise public awareness of the impact of human activity on oceans and to mobilize support for sustainable ocean management, according to the United Nations.

Mangrove ecosystems are widely recognized as natural coastal defenses because they support biodiversity, help protect coastal communities, improve food security, and serve as buffers against storms and erosion, according to UNESCO.

In Barangay Sampinit, the successful planting of 5,000 mangrove propagules is expected to help reinforce the local coastal ecosystem and contribute to long-term environmental sustainability.

Negros Power said its participation in the World Ocean Day activity reaffirmed its commitment to environmental stewardship and community development under its “Ikaw Ang Una” campaign, with people, communities, and the environment at the center of its initiatives.