The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) planted over 800 mangrove propagules and collected at least 1,000 kilograms of garbage in Tagum City, Davao del Norte as part of the observance of the World Mangrove Day on Monday, July 26.
Personnel of PCG District Southeastern Mindanao planted the mangrove propagules in a four-hectare mangrove forest of Hijo Resources Corporation (HRC) last Sunday.
Meanwhile, they also conducted a coastal cleanup in the area where they gathered at least 1, 000 kilograms of trash.
The PCG District Southeastern Mindanao underscored the need to preserve the marine environment by regularly planting mangroves in coastal areas.
The international day for the conservation of the mangrove ecosystem was celebrated on July 26 to raise awareness of the importance of mangroves and promote their sustainable management, conservation, and use.
The environmental organization World Wildlife Fund (WWF) said planting of mangroves helps prevent coastal damage from hurricanes and typhoons.