A globally recognized Filipino marine scientist has called on the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to repeal its October 2025 memorandum allowing the earth-balling and relocation of mangroves in “exceptional circumstances,” warning that the policy lacks scientific grounding and could endanger critical coastal ecosystems. Earth-balling (or “balling and burlapping”) is the method of digging up a young tree or plant with the soil around its roots kept intact in a compact “ball,” usually wrapped with burlap/sack, so the roots are protected during transport and the seedling survives better when replanted (transplanting/shifting).

Sornito, I. (2026, February 25). Earth-balling detrimental to mangroves – marine scientist. Panay News, pp. 3, 15.