DENR, environment groups plant mangroves

BAGAC, Bataan – The Department on Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and environment groups here on Saturday planted mangroves in Sitio Salaman, Barangay Pag-asa, this town.

The mangrove planting activity dubbed “Run and Plant” was organized by Nakakaisang Boses ng Bagac – Bagac Integrated Development Alliance (NBB-BIDA). PENRO Raul Mamac personally joined the mangrove-planting project. Other environment personnel also joined the reforestation activity.

The top environment officer in the province, DENR personnel, officers and members of NBB-BIDA, other local environment groups and environment advocates also signed a statement of support to mangrove planting in an improvised tarpaulin wall.

Community and Environment Management Initiative Inc. (CEMII), Bataan Peninsula State University (BPSU) Bagac NSTP, and Cenro Bagac, also joined the planting activity aside from DENR Bataan and NBB-BIDA.

Bebot Ragel said they formed the group CEMII in 2002 following the strong opposition of local folks against a plan of then provincial officials to build a massive dumpsite in this town where wastes from Metro Manila and other parts Luzon would be dumped. The project coordinator of BIDA also said NBB-BIDA has been initiating civic activities and promoting wellness awareness in this town.

A week earlier, they organized Retro Zumba. They also organized Glow Run, Zumba, and Doodle Art Contest last June, and Color Run and Zumba last week of May.

NBB-BIDA also distributed schools supplies to 100 students composed of Aetas and indigent studying at Bagac Elementary School. Ragel said they had a partner who provided the school supplies.