IN SUPPORT of the mangrove rehabilitation project in Macajalar Bay in Misamis Oriental, a student organization in Xavier University-Ateneo de Cagayan planted more than 2,500 seedlings in the municipalities of Binuangan and Villanueva.

In October 2020, PICE-XUSC launched the “Mangroves: Every CEed Counts Project” online fund-raising initiative. The project conducted educational activities to raise awareness about mangrove reforestation and put it into action to help the environment.

“The project initially aimed to raise at least P20,000 from their webinar series and training workshops participated by students and some professionals, and in just one month, the organization has raised more than the intended amount,” the university said.

“Just recently, on the 3rd and 4th week of March 2021, approximately 2,032 miyapi and pototan species were planted in Brgy. Casulog in Salay, and in Brgy. Mabini and Poblacion in Binuangan in Misamis Oriental,” it added.

The university said FDC-MPC supports the mangrove project and also started planting around 500 miyapi seedlings in Brgy. Looc, Villanueva.

The seedlings were procured from the pilot nursery in the municipality of Kinoguitan.

The school reiterated that raising environmental awareness to students, youth and local people is just as important as planting the seedlings.

The Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers-XU Student Chapter partnered with the XU-McKeough Marine Center, the FDC Misamis Power Corporation and local government units to ensure the sustainability of the project.

“In order to succeed in the rehabilitation of our coasts, we just don’t need to simply plant the seedlings, imparting knowledge and importance of scientific interventions is needed to ensure the survivability and sustainability of our mangroves. Hence, with all these things considered and with everyone joining hands, our hope for a greener and cleaner coast is within sight,” it added.