‘Yolanda’ survivors initiates mangrove reforestation project

TACLOBAN CITY, Feb. 12 (PNA) -– Village officials in a typhoon-ravaged community in this city will embark on a mangrove reforestation project funded by a Japanese non-government organization.

The project in Paraiso village of coastal San Jose district in this city is funded by Organization for Industrial, Spiritual and Cultural Advancement (OISCA), a Japanese non-government organization operating in the country for 20 years in partnership with the Visayas Response Team.

The project was suppose to start in 2014, but was halted after the seedlings provided by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to local officials were destroyed by typhoon Ruby.

A total of 10,000 mangrove seedlings will be planted in a four-hectare coastal area in Paraiso village, a community badly hit by storm surge whipped by super typhoon Yolanda in 2013.

Mangrove planting will be done by conditional cash transfer beneficiaries, senior citizens, pedicab drivers, and students as part of their National Service Training Program.

Knowing the importance of mangrove not only for coastal and shoreline protection, but also in livelihood of locals, Chisaki Sato of Visayas Response Team looked for some partners that would provide fund for the project.

“This is how OISCA became involved in the project. I hope that we can make it this time with the help of community and support of the local government,” Sato said.

Yuikihiro Ishibishi of OISCA Philippines said mangrove will not only benefit the environment, but also ensure the sustainability of livelihood of fishermen.

“In the future you will catch more fish and other marine products that will give more income and sufficient food supply,” Ishibashi said.

Pro-environment advocate Aimee Grafil supports Ishibashi call to the residents of Paraiso village and asked them protect the mangrove forest just like their children.

“Just like your children once these mangroves are fully grown, they will pay you back by enriching our marine life and protecting us from future disaster caused by climate change,” said Grafil.

The mangrove reforestation project in Paraiso is the first people-initiated project in the city backed by private organization in partnership with the city government, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, and Department of Tourism. (PNA)

FFC/SQM/RTA/EGR