Various environment advocates have planted 3,600 mangrove propagules in Barangay Latasan E. B. Magalona over the weekend [Oct. 15].

The activity was part of the “Sidlak sa Latasan,” a mangrove growing project of BPI BAYAN Negros Occidental, in partnership with two fisherfolks associations: Barangay Latasan Fisherfolks Association (BALAFA) and Barangay Latasan Small Fisherfolks Association (BALASFA).

Other participants in Saturday’s activity were Barangay Latasan officials, headed by Punong Barangay Luisito Jomen, Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP)- E. B. Magalona, YES-O teachers and Grade 11 students of E. B. Magalona National High School, LGBT Community of E. B. Magalona, and the Philippine Coast Guard.

“Sidlak sa Latasan,” is an ongoing volunteer project of BPI BAYAN Negros Occidental which aims to empower the coastal community through mangrove reforestation.

“Together, let’s continue our advocacy in fighting climate change and building an overall coastal sustainability in Barangay Latasan,” BPI BAYAN said.

Earlier, BPI BAYAN Negros Occidental, represented by three head volunteers, namely, Assistant Branch Manager Ma. Elisa Paz Ebojo and Sales Associates Jean Annmarie Nombre and Christine Marie Villan, met with Mayor Marvin Malacon and MENRO head Jojo Vargas to discuss preparations for the mangrove propagules planting, and to update the mayor on future plans for the “Sidlak sa Latasan” project.*

E. B. MAGALONA PIO
PHOTOS BY MENRO, CARLO MAHILUM, PAZ DIONEO