TACLOBAN CITY – In a bid to empower individuals to actively contribute to the preservation of crucial marine ecosystems, Catbalogan City in Samar conducted a seagrass planting activity on Sunday, June 16, at Buri Baras Beach.

UY (FB)
Mayor Dexter Uy emphasized that the hands-on environmental initiative, which coincided with the city's 17th charter anniversary, served as a means for residents to directly engage in the conservation of vital marine habitats.
Aligned with the Kalibungan Katbalogan program under the Derecho Uswag Agenda, the event sought to raise awareness by involving community members in the actual planting of seagrass, which plays a significant role in supporting marine life, facilitating carbon sequestration, and bolstering coastal resilience.
Catbalogan attained its city status on June 16, 2007, following a successful plebiscite with a 92 percent approval from the voting population.
The enactment of Republic Act No. 9391, known as the Charter of the City of Catbalogan, fulfilled the city's longstanding aspiration to serve as the cabecera and mission center of Samar since 1616.
Despite a temporary setback when the cityhood status was revoked along with 15 other cities due to a Supreme Court ruling, Catbalogan and the affected cities pursued legal action.
Eventually, on December 22, 2009, the court reversed its decision, reinstating Catbalogan's cityhood status.