By DIANN IVY CALUCIN
The Navotas City government, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), and the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) in the National Capital Region (NCR) conducted a tree planting activity at the Tanza Marine Tree Park (TMTP) in Barangay Tanza Uno, Navotas City, on Tuesday, Sept. 13.
The activity was held in support of the DILG’s “Buhayin ang Pangangalaga sa Kalikasan” program that aims to restore the degraded forest ecosystems in Metro Manila.
DENR-NCR Regional Executive Director Jacqueline A. Caancan and DENR Metropolitan Environmental Office-North (MEO-North) Officer-in-charger Director Nolan Francisco, Navotas City Mayor John Reynald John Rey" Tiangco, the City Environment and Natural Resources Navotas (CENRO), representatives from DILG-Navotas, Philippine National Police (PNP) and officials from Barangay Tanza Uno, Navotas City participated in the tree planting activity.
According to the Coastal Resources and Foreshore Management Section (CRFMS), a total of 144 mangrove propagules comprising 56 Bakawan Babae (Rhizophora, species) and 88 Api api (Avicennia species) were planted during the event.
TMTP is one of the conservation areas of the DENR National Capital Region.
The area is a 36-hectare strip of land rich with mangroves and other mangrove related-trees planted to protect the residential areas of Navotas City and neighboring areas.
It is also known for sightings of rare migratory birds.
The DENR-NCR, in partnership with the Navotas City government and other groups, conducts regular environmental protection and conservation activities at the TMTP.
Mayor Tiangco encouraged everyone to show their solidarity in protecting nature.