The massive mangrove plantation initiated by the government will strengthen the protection of the coastal areas in Eastern Visayas against the rise of sea water or storm surge due to strong typhoons. DENR-8 Regional Director Leonardo Sibbaluca told reporters in an interview that more coastlines in Eastern Visayas will be planted with mangroves as Secretary Regina Paz “Gina” L. Lopez of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is pushing for a massive mangrove plantation nationwide. The DENR chief cited the protection given by mangroves on coastal communities, saying that “during typhoons the best protection is the mangrove.”

Cayubit, R. A. (2017, January 12). Massive mangrove planting seen to strengthen E. Visayas coastal areas. Manila Bulletin, p. B-8.