Ang Pahayagan

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and SMC Global Power Foundation, Inc. sealed a landmark partnership under Project TRANSFORM to strengthen the mangrove conservation efforts in Abucay, Bataan.

The newly-signed Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) covers the adoption of a three-hectare mangrove area in Sitio Bakawan, Barangay Wawa, expanding the previously adopted five-hectare site in the same area. This brings the total conservation area to eight hectares.

Project components include mangrove planting, nursery development, monitoring and evaluation, community-led aquaculture, and environmental education campaigns.

The agreement was signed during the Project TRANSFORM Colloquium by DENR Secretary Raphael Lotilla, Bataan Governor Jose Enrique Garcia III, Abucay Mayor Erik Martel, SMC Global Power Foundation, Inc. Deputy Executive Director Ronald Allan Sumague, and Samahan ng Mananahong sa Sitio Bakawan Chairman Roderick Caraig.

Meanwhile, Regional Executive Director Ralph Pablo emphasized that the partnership is aligned with DENR Administrative Order No. 15-90, which promotes stakeholder participation in mangrove reforestation efforts.

“This partnership reflects our shared commitment to protecting Bataan’s coastal ecosystems while empowering local communities. It also supports the broader objectives of Project TRANSFORM, which advocates for transdisciplinary, science-based, and inclusive approaches to climate resilience and environmental sustainability,” Pablo said.

The colloquium, themed “From Science to Action: Local Government Units (LGUs) at the Forefront of Climate and Disaster Resilience Governance,” convened national agencies, LGUs, development partners, and civil society organizations to advance climate resilience and disaster governance. (PR)

📸 DENR Central Luzon