SASMUAN , Pampanga – HANN Foundation, Inc. (HFI) and the Sasmuan local government unit planted a total of 268 mangrove seedlings, consisting of 140 Rhizophora and 128 Pagatpat (Sonneratia) species, along the bamboo-earth dike at the Bangkung Malapad Coastal Wetland, a declared critical habitat and ecotourism area.
This, after HFI conducted a turnover ceremony for its flagship environmental initiative, Sasmuan BakaOne, on January 16, 2026, at the Sasmuan Linear Park.
The event marked a significant milestone in the Foundation’s long-term commitment to mangrove conservation, coastal protection, and community development in the Municipality of Sasmuan.
The program formally opened with a blessing and ribbon-cutting ceremony for the donated motorboat turned over to the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Sasmuan. The boat will support coastal monitoring, disaster response, and environmental protection efforts in the municipality.
Participants then proceeded to the Mangrove Nursery, where a second ribbon-cutting ceremony was held. Volunteers received a technical orientation on the proper and science-based methods of mangrove planting, emphasizing site suitability, species selection, and spacing to ensure high survival rates and long-term sustainability.
This targeted planting strategy aims to correct mangrove zonation, a science-based approach that places appropriate species in their natural coastal zones. By restoring proper zonation, the initiative strengthens the natural buffer of the coastline and protects existing mangroves from erosion and wave action, enhancing overall ecosystem stability.
A total of 18 HANN employee volunteers actively joined the mangrove planting activity. Many shared that it was their first time participating in such an initiative and expressed appreciation for the technical orientation. The volunteers stated that they learned a great deal about mangrove conservation and expressed pride in being part of HANN, an organization that actively contributes to environmental protection and community development.
Vice Mayor Tamayo emphasized the importance of the partnership, stating:
“We are grateful to HANN Foundation and its companies for choosing Sasmuan as their LGU partner for their environment pillar. Rest assured that the LGU will continue to work hand in hand with the Foundation and other stakeholders in ensuring a proper way of conservation and preservation of our mangroves in the community.”
Mayor Lina Cabrera also expressed her support and enthusiasm for the initiative:
“We are indeed excited that this project is now in operation. We express our sincere thanks to HANN Foundation who have been helping our community since 2018 through its disaster relief operations. With the Sasmuan BakaOne Project, we can now showcase a best practice model in mangrove conservation that will significantly impact the environment, mitigate climate change and disaster risks, and create tourism opportunities in the future.”
HANN Foundation Executive Director Christi Galura highlighted how the project reflects the Foundation’s core mission: “With the Mangrove Project, the four pillars of HANN Foundation – Education, Health, Cultural Heritage, and Environment – are all achieved. Through this initiative, we provide education and awareness about the importance of mangroves in our ecosystem. In terms of health, mangroves help improve community well-being, and even some mangrove fruits and species are naturally nutritious. This project also preserves and promotes the culture of the community, and most importantly, creates a sustainable impact on our environment. We thank the LGU, DENR, and the community for welcoming us and trusting us.”
About the Project
The Sasmuan BakaOne: A Sustainable Mangrove Conservation and Restoration Project is a PHP 5-million environmental initiative implemented by HANN Foundation beginning in the fourth quarter of 2024. The project focuses on restoring degraded mangrove areas, increasing climate resilience, and creating livelihood opportunities for local fisherfolk.
Located within the Sasmuan Bangkung Malapad Critical Habitat and Ecotourism Area (SBMCHEA), the project addresses critical environmental concerns such as habitat loss, shoreline erosion, and climate vulnerability. The wetland also supports migratory birds and community-based ecotourism.
Key Project Interventions
• Construction of bamboo-earth dikes to protect mangrove forests
• Upgrading and operation of the LGU Mangrove Nursery
• Regular, science-based mangrove planting
• Donation of motorboats and equipment for monitoring and emergency response
• Engagement and employment of local fisherfolk
• Environmental education and advocacy campaigns
Project Partners
• LGU Sasmuan – community mobilization and local implementation
DENR-PENRO Pampanga – technical guidance, site identification, monitoring and certification
Federation of Sasmuan Fisherfolks Association Inc. – construction of the mangrove nursery and bamboo-earth dike, and fabrication of the project speedboat
