The Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) of Sarangani, in partnership with the local government unit (LGU) of Alabel, and the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) of Kiamba, spearheaded major environmental activities in Sarangani Province in line with the National Climate Change Consciousness Week 2024, observed from November 19 to 25.
Shoreline Cleanup in Alabel
On Friday, November 15, PENRO Sarangani and the LGU of Alabel joined forces to clean up 10 kilometers of shoreline across the coastal barangays of Ladol, Maribulan, and Kawas. Volunteers collected 49 sacks of recyclable trash and 81 sacks of residual waste, including used nets, sachets, and plastic bottles.
Part of the cleanup focused on the mangrove area of Kawas Marine Sanctuary, where trash entangled in mangrove branches and seedlings was removed. The effort not only reduced waste pollution but also highlighted the critical role of mangroves, seagrasses, and coastal habitats in mitigating climate change by storing excess carbon dioxide as “blue carbon.”
Beach Forest Planting in Maitum
On November 19, CENRO Kiamba led the planting of over 100 Bitaog (Calophyllum inophyllum) and Talisay (Terminalia catappa) wildlings in a newly established 5-hectare beach forest near the Kalaong River rivermouth in Barangay Mabay, Maitum. The initiative was part of the DENR’s RIVERs for Life Program, aimed at enhancing riparian ecosystems.
This project was supported by Daguma Agro Minerals, Inc. (DAMI), which has been actively involved in mangrove enrichment and other conservation efforts in partnership with DENR-12. DAMI’s contributions include establishing nurseries, reforestation projects, and coral reef conservation.
Shared Commitment to Climate Action
Both activities emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts in addressing environmental challenges. These initiatives not only contribute to shoreline protection and biodiversity conservation but also align with the goals of National Climate Change Consciousness Week, established under Presidential Proclamation No. 1667, Series of 2018, to foster public participation in combating climate change.
Sarangani’s multi-stakeholder approach reflects a collective commitment to sustainable development and the preservation of natural resources for future generations.
