In celebration of the Month of the Ocean (MOO) with the theme “Unlock Ocean-based Solutions to Climate Change,” the Community Environment and Natural Resources Offices (CENRO) of Manukan and Liloy spearheaded a series of environmental protection and awareness activities across Zamboanga del Norte on May 28.
CENRO Manukan kicked off the day with a coastal clean-up and mangrove planting in Barangay Doña Josefa, Sindangan. A total of 98 volunteers from various government agencies, private companies, and community organizations—including Alsons Energy Development Corp., Bureau of Fire Protection, Philippine Port Authority, Mindanao Estates Timber Corp., Philippine Coast Guard, MENRO, barangay officials, 4Ps members, and CENRO Manukan staff—gathered to collect coastal waste and plant 1,000 mangrove propagules (Rhizophora spp.). The initiative aimed to strengthen the coastal area’s natural defenses and contribute to ecosystem restoration.
Following this, CENRO Manukan conducted an Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) Campaign in Barangay Calatunan, Sindangan. Barangay Captain Hon. Myrna Z. Casipong welcomed 82 community members, who participated in sessions led by CENRO experts. Forester Edgardo L. Salazar discussed the importance of the Month of the Ocean, Forester Shaira Marie Castro highlighted mangroves as natural coastal defense, Marvin B. Nabor tackled marine biodiversity and conservation, while Jim V. Montejar shared knowledge on marine turtle conservation. The IEC activity underscored the vital role of communities in protecting marine ecosystems.
Extending the celebration to upland areas, CENRO Manukan also participated in a tree planting activity at Sitio Danao, Barangay Bulawan, Katipunan. Organized by KALAHI-CIDSS, the event drew 86 participants from the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office, barangay officials, 4Ps members, and DENR staff. Together, they planted 500 native tree seedlings, including Narra (Pterocarpus indicus) and Mabolo (Diospyros blancoi), contributing to the restoration of upland forest ecosystems.
Meanwhile, CENRO Liloy, in collaboration with the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) Zamboanga del Norte, conducted a hands-on Capacity Building Training on Marine Turtle Handling and Nesting Site Management in Barangay Banigan, Liloy. The training included a live nest translocation demonstration and a visit to the Marine Turtle Hatchery.
Twenty-eight participants took part in the training, including barangay chairpersons from Patawag, Banigan, Dansalan, Malintuboan, and Antonino; as well as representatives from Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Offices, Municipal Agriculture Offices, and Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Offices of Labason and Liloy. Lectures covered marine turtle biology, proper handling techniques, nest translocation, and the importance of community involvement in protecting nesting sites.
The training concluded with renewed coordination and strengthened commitment among local leaders and stakeholders to support marine biodiversity conservation across the province.
These joint efforts highlight the crucial role of grassroots participation in addressing climate change—from rehabilitating marine habitats to reforesting upland areas. CENRO Manukan and CENRO Liloy extend their gratitude to all partners and participants for their continued support and dedication to environmental stewardship.