Mangrove Forest, Now a Village
Friday, May 16th, 2008It was reported by the Philippine Information Agency website that the provincial government of Southern Leyte did the mangroves planting in selected areas in Southern Leyte.
… To mitigate the impact of natural disasters, the Provincial Government in close coordination with the GTZ, a German government organization based here established a greenbelt along the coastal areas to highlight the Earth Day celebration on April 22. … the mangroves planting followed along the coastal areas was participated by the Parish Social Action Center, the local government employees, the barangay council members, youths and the coastal communities.
Ms. Abad revealed that the provincial government led by the Environment and Natural Resources Office (ENRO) and the GTZ allocated 4,000 mangrove seedlings for St. Bernard, 4,000 for the town of Libagon, 2,000 for Hinunangan, 2,000 for Silago and 1,000 mangrove seedlings for Maasin City.
While the celebration was focused in the town of St. Bernard, other municipalities identified also conducted their own activities with the Municipal Agricultural Officer and the ENR Officer concerned, as the lead persons, Abad said. (Source)
What the government did is really commendable. However, it contradicts the truth that the provincial government of Southern Leyte is neglecting the supposed to be “mangrove forest reserve” located in Barangay Itchon, Macrohon, Southern Leyte.
You know, I don’t believe that the officials of the province of Southern Leyte did not notice the emergence of the squatters as shown on the photo below:
I know, they are passing this area every time they travel to the eastern part of the province…. I wonder what really is the reason why they let these squatters ruin our mangroves-reserve.
