ZAMBOANGA PENINSULA — Hundreds of volunteers from Zamboanga Sibugay and Zamboanga City came together in May to mark the culmination of Ocean Month with environmental actions aimed at protecting marine ecosystems and promoting climate resilience.
In Sitio Sibokya, Barangay Sanito, Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay, a mangrove restoration and coastal clean-up drive mobilized 210 volunteers on May 31. Spearheaded by the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) Kabasalan, the event followed the theme “Unlock Ocean-Based Solutions to Climate Change: Karagatan ang Solusyon.” Participants included representatives from PENRO Ipil, LGU Ipil-MENRO, ROTC, military, BJMP, PNP, BFP, PCG, DILG, and private sector partners like Gaisano Mall, Budgetwise, Jollibee Foods Inc., and others.
Volunteers collected 50 sacks of coastal waste, composed of plastic bottles, wrappers, used fishing nets, diapers, and rags—debris that pollutes the coastline and threatens marine life. The group also planted 305 Rhizophora apiculata mangrove propagules to restore degraded coastal areas and support marine biodiversity.
CENR Officer Dennis N. Catalan thanked the participants and emphasized the importance of community-led environmental action. Forester Reynaldo C. Cuaresma, PENRO Ipil’s Technical Services Division Chief, gave a short orientation on mangrove planting and highlighted the critical role of mangroves in shielding coastal communities from erosion and serving as habitats for marine species.
Meanwhile, on May 9, CENRO Zamboanga City, through its Coastal and Resources Management Unit (CRMU), led a similar celebration on Little Sta. Cruz Island, a protected seascape. In collaboration with the City Tourism Office, OCENR, Sta. Cruz Island People’s Organization (SCIPO), and military personnel, 30 participants took part in a Communication, Education, and Public Awareness (CEPA) session centered on this year’s theme.
The group conducted both a shoreline and underwater SCUBAsurero clean-up, collecting around 37 kilograms of trash including plastic debris, ropes, and footwear. To cap the event, 70 critically endangered Hawksbill turtle hatchlings (Eretmochelys imbricata) were safely released into their natural marine habitat.
Both activities underscored the importance of collective action in addressing climate change through ocean-based solutions. From mangrove planting to marine cleanups and turtle conservation, communities across the Zamboanga Peninsula reaffirmed their commitment to sustainable marine management and environmental stewardship.