IBA, Zambales — Efforts to restore coastal ecosystems made progress as the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and local stakeholders conducted a series of mangrove rehabilitation activities in Barangay South Poblacion within the Masinloc and Oyon Bay Protected Landscape and Seascape (MOBPLS) in Zambales.
The initiative supports national efforts to protect coastal communities and sustain marine resources.
Spanning more than 7,500 hectares, the MOBPLS is a protected area known for its rich coastal and marine biodiversity. It includes 86 hectares of mangrove forests, 800 hectares of seagrass beds, and 1,500 hectares of coral reef systems that support local fisheries and help protect shoreline communities.
The rehabilitation activity aimed to strengthen coastal protection and enhance marine biodiversity through the restoration of degraded mangrove areas.
It also highlighted the role of mangroves in stabilizing shorelines and providing habitat for marine species.
DENR Community Environment and Natural Resources Office Masinloc Head Donaver Guevarra reported that over 9,000 mangrove propagules were planted across an estimated one-hectare area.
Species used included Rhizophora apiculata and Rhizophora stylosa, selected for their suitability to the site’s zoning, soil type, and environmental conditions.
Support for the activity came from the Barangay Local Government Unit of South Poblacion, Mother Rita Multi-Purpose Cooperative, Taltal National High School, and the DENR Protected Area Management Office, underscoring strong collaboration among government, community, and institutional partners in environmental conservation.
“We are pleased to see the active participation of the community and our partners in this mangrove rehabilitation effort. Initiatives like this are crucial in restoring our coastal ecosystems and ensuring that future generations continue to benefit from the protection and resources that mangroves provide,” Guevarra said.
DENR Regional Executive Director Ralph Pablo emphasized the importance of sustained environmental action.
“Mangrove rehabilitation is a key component of our strategy to protect coastal communities from climate-related risks while preserving biodiversity. Through continued collaboration with local stakeholders, we can strengthen our programs and achieve lasting environmental gains,” Pablo said.
He added that sustained partnerships and active community involvement remain essential in maintaining mangrove rehabilitation efforts and ensuring the long-term protection of coastal and marine ecosystems.
Established under Republic Act No. 11038, the MOBPLS is the first and only marine protected area in Central Luzon and plays a key role in biodiversity conservation and sustainable natural resource management.
It is home to 33 mangrove species from families including Rhizophoraceae, Avicenniaceae, and Sonneratiaceae, among others, including the hybrid Rhizophora × lamarckii, a cross between R. apiculata and R. stylosa.
Mangroves in the area provide important ecological benefits, serving as natural barriers against storm surges and coastal erosion, acting as nursery habitats for fish and other marine organisms, and contributing to carbon sequestration that helps mitigate climate change.