The mangrove site in Siargao Island which was heavily devastated by typhoon "Odette" last year will soon be rehabilitated after at least P10 million was allocated for its restoration from a non-government foundation.
In a statement, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) said the 143-hectare mangrove site will undergo a three-year post-rehabilitation restoration and rehabilitation starting this year.
The restoration and rehabilitation was essence of the Memorandum of Agreement signed by DENR Acting Secretary Jim O. Sampulna and Jaime V. Ongpin Foundation, Inc. (JVOFI) president Reinaldo A. Bautista Jr.
The focus of the rehabilitations are the mangrove sites in the municipalities of Del Carmen, Dapa, General Luna, San Benito, and Socorro, all in Surigao del Norte.
Siargao Island is home to hundreds of flora and fauna species, with a highly diverse mangrove forest, accounting for 19 out of 54 known mangrove species in the world.
In 2019, the Del Carmen Mangrove Site was awarded the Para El Mar Best Mangrove Award in the Philippines by the Marine Protected Areas Support Network.
The agreement also covers the implementation of solid waste management activities in the island.
The DENR-Region 13 (CARAGA) together with the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) in Surigao del Norte and Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) in Dapa were designated as project implementers.
"They will conduct the identification and delineation of the 143-hectare mangrove site and determine the mode of plantation establishment, protection, and maintenance," said Sampulna.
“The partnership recognizes the importance of addressing climate change and the sense of urgency to act now. We need our mangroves more than ever,” he added, as he lauded the JVOFI for its assistance.
JVOFI is a non-government organization that ensures the promotion of conservation, protection and rational management, and utilization of critical ecological resources in the country.
“This is just the beginning of our continuing partnership. We are thankful to be a part of this initiative and to be able to serve our communities," Bautista said, for his part.