More than 4,000 mangrove propagules covering two hectares were planted on June 26, 2021 in the coastal waters of Barangay Consuelo in Macabebe town, Pampanga, in a bid to strengthen the protection of marine ecosystem and help boost the rehabilitation of Manila Bay, and in line with the celebration of Philippine Arbor Day and Philippine Environment Month this year. Laudemir Salac, head of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) provincial office in Pampanga said, mangrove species are important component of coastal environment because it served as spawning and breeding ground of fishes, mollusks, shrimps, crabs and other marine life. “Mangrove can provide numerous benefits like food and livelihood. It also acts as natural barrier against strong typhoons and storm surge that enable to protect our coastal communities,” he explained.

Flora, I. O. (2021, June 27). 4K mangroves planted in Macabebe town. SunStar Pampanga, pp. 1, 11.