₱14-M Bataan Project Seeks to Save Mangroves
- September 2, 2025
Government agencies, local officials, and AboitizPower have launched a ₱14-million, five-year initiative in Orani, Bataan, to cultivate and protect 10 hectares of mangroves, strengthening coastal ecosystems and engaging community groups in long-term stewardship.
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), local governments, AboitizPower’s GNPower units, and the Tubo-Tubo Fisherfolk Association sealed a deal to launch the Tubo-Tubo Island Mangrove Conservation Project. The initiative was made official through a memorandum of agreement, marking a joint commitment to protect and restore vital coastal habitats.
DENR Secretary Atty. Raphael P.M. Lotilla noted that the MOA signing was a key step toward resilience, sustainability, and inclusive growth. “[This] agreement is our collective assertion that development will not come at the expense of the environment,” he said.
Meanwhile, Orani Mayor Antonio Arizapa Jr. underscored the role of mangroves in supporting marine life, shielding coastal areas from storm surges, and absorbing carbon. He added, “This project shows that real progress happens when the government, private sector, and communities work together.”
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Why mangroves matter
Sadly, Bataan’s mangroves have dwindled sharply, shrinking from nearly 4 square kilometers in 2012 to just over 1.5 square kilometers by 2016, as reported in the 2024 State of the Coasts of Bataan. To counter this decline, the new initiative will focus on replanting, consistent monitoring, protective measures, and community-driven awareness efforts designed to be replicated by other stakeholders.
Mangroves play a vital role in maintaining the health and resilience of coastal ecosystems. Their dense roots provide breeding and feeding grounds for fish and other marine species, supporting both biodiversity and local livelihoods. At the same time, they act as natural barriers against storm surges and flooding, shielding communities from disasters. Mangroves also store significant amounts of carbon, helping mitigate climate change while preserving the delicate balance between people and the environment.
AboitizPower began its mangrove conservation efforts in 2023 by restoring and safeguarding a 10-hectare mangrove area in Sitio Pulo, Barangay Kabalutan. The initiative forms part of DENR’s Transdisciplinary Approach for Resilience and Environmental Sustainability through Multi-stakeholder Engagement (TRANSFORM) program, which promotes resilience and sustainability through broad collaboration among various stakeholders.
With the new agreement in place, AboitizPower has expanded its adopted mangrove site to 20 hectares, intensifying initiatives to rehabilitate and protect critical coastal habitats.
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Supporting the government mandate
The Tubo-Tubo Island Mangrove Conservation Project reinforces DENR Administrative Order 15-90, which sets the framework for the responsible use, development, and long-term management of mangrove resources across the Philippines. By anchoring its efforts on this policy, the project ensures that conservation activities are not only community-driven but also aligned with national standards for environmental protection.
Additionally, the initiative underscores the power of collective action, showing how government agencies, private partners, and local communities can work hand in hand to deliver meaningful outcomes.
Through this collaboration, the project advances inclusive, science-based solutions that protect coastal ecosystems, strengthen climate resilience, and promote sustainable development that benefits both people and the environment.
Sources:
https://pia.gov.ph/denr-partners-expand-mangrove-conservation-efforts-in-bataan/
