BROs intensify planting of mangroves

By Leilanie G. Adriano

Staff reporter

LAOAG CITY—Commissioned barangay ranger officers (BROs) have intensified the planting of mangrove propagules in Ilocos Norte covering at least nine coastal municipalities.

Early this week, around 6,000 mangrove propagules were delivered at Barangays La Paz and Gabu in this city to rehabilitate and improve its existing mangrove plantations here.

Hustler Garalde of the Environment and Natural Resources Office (ENRO) under the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte said hundreds of BROs are assigned in various mangrove plantations located within the 155-kilometer coastline of the province.

Aside from guarding the forests, the BROs also help in improving the state of mangroves here which serves as a breeding ground of fish and natural barrier to protect coastal residents should there be a storm surge or strong tidal wave.

In Ilocos Norte, at least 80 percent of its population depend on fishing as a major source of livelihood, 10 percent are engaged in farming and 10 percent are hired laborers.

In a presentation entitled “State of Mangroves” by Estrella Sacro, community development assistant 2 of ENRO, she said sporadic cyanide fishing still occurs in the province.

“Overfishing is not a problem due to some established alternative livelihood projects such as aquaculture, livestock raising and farming,” Ms. Sacro said.

According to Ms. Sacro, some of the possible reasons for the decrease in live coral cover may have been attributed to frequent typhoons the hit Ilocos Norte every year.

Of the nine coastal municipalities of the province namely: Badoc, Currimao, Paoay, Laoag City, Bacarra, Pasuquin, Burgos, Bangui, and Pagudpud, at least five municipalities have already established mangrove plantations covering about 23 hectares.

In 2010, the provincial government in coordination with the DENR through the Upland Development Program (UDP) planted about 8,500 mangroves in 17-hectare area.

Another 3,000 mangrove propagules were planted the following year in 2011 courtesy of the National Greening Program. The project covers at least six hectares.

At present, these mangrove plantations are being managed by Peoples Organizations such as the Davila Coastal Resource Management Association (DACORMA).

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