Why mangroves matter
Mangroves support the natural food chain by forming a link between land and sea. They serve as the sanctuary of both aquatic and terrestrial wildlife while acting as frontline guardians of coastal communities against storm surges. Mangroves help a great deal in the propagation of fish and other fishery products because the mangrove ecosystem is a part of their habitat.
With this in mind, Metro Pacific Investments Corp. has put up under the umbrella of the foundation’s environmental program called Shore it Up, its Mangrove Propagation/ Protection and Information Centers in Alaminos, Pangasinan and Del Carmen, Siargao, Surigao del Norte. These facilities serve as centers for the protection and propagation of mangrove trees in coastal estuaries, including the rehabilitation of degraded mangroves in the coastal communities of the country, while providing information for locals, tourists and guests on the value and benefits of mangroves in our ecosystem. A third one will be constructed in Cordova, Cebu this year.
The facilities not only stand as structures amidst the lush mangrove covers of MPIC’s partner locations but are also armed with Mangrove EcoGuides to manage the facility, accept visitors and capably tour them in the mangrove centers. Just recently, all the Eco-Guides attended a National Tour Guide Convention in Manila organized by the Philippine Federation of Professional Tour Guide Associations, Inc. in order to further develop their skills and officially introduce them to the national tour guide community.
For the MPIC Eco-Guides, one of the highlights in their Manila visit is seeing MVP face to face and thanking him for transforming their lives. “Sir MVP, I used to be a fisherman who once used dynamite fishing to meet my son’s educational needs. After being given the opportunity to have a steady job as a Mangrove tour guide, I also realized how taking care of the environment can provide livelihood rather than destroying it,” narrated Jems Semena, an Eco-Guide in Del Carmen, Siargao, Surigao del Norte.
“We have to keep in mind the need to include our communities in defining success. We are as good only as our ability to change the lives of every Filipino for the better,” Pangilinan said. “Through you, as Mangrove EcoGuides, we are now able to see how we can enhance our programs to provide greater inclusivity not only among our stakeholders but also the marginalized Filipinos,” MVP said in closing.