Siargao is known for as the surfing capital of the Philippines, but did you know that it is also home to one of the Philippines’ largest contiguous mangrove forests that boast a rich diversity of flora and fauna that can only be found in the province? One Meralco Foundation (OMF), the social development arm of the Manila Electric Company (Meralco), is part of its environmental conservation efforts as the Foundation plants and nurtures 125,000 native mangroves in the gateway of Siargao: the town of Del Carmen. This significant initiative is under OMF’s environmental program One For Trees (OFT), where it partnered with the local government of Del Carmen, as well as the people’s organization Kaanib ng mga Mangingisda at Magsasaka ng Numancia (KAMAMANA) in upholding the importance of wetlands located in the western part of the teardrop-shaped island. The partnership was in celebration of World Wetlands Day (02 February) this 2024 with the theme, “Wetlands and Human Wellbeing.”

One Meralco Foundation commits to a greener future by planting 125,000 mangroves in Del Carmen, Siargao in observance of World Wetlands Day. (2024, February 3). Daily Tribune, p. B12.