Tanggol Kalikasan through the Central Luzon State University (CLSU) evaluated environmental initiatives of DMMMSU Institute of Environmental Governance (IEG) under the Environmental Justice Sector Reform Program Phase 2 (EJSRP2). The activity ran from October 17-19, 2022.

CLSU team conducted interviews with the participants of environmental governance webinar series. Also, the team visited the selected Area Specific Action Plan (ASAP) implementation sites.

In the Municipality of Santo Tomas, La Union, three activities were evaluated namely mangrove enrichment (Brgy. Casantaan), solid waste management technical assistance (Brgy. Ubagan) and community-based water impounding and distribution system (Brgy. Pongpong). To help in the reforestation efforts of the LGU, the group planted nine (9) sagat seedlings in Brgy. Pongpong.

Mangroves plantation in Bauang Mangrove Eco-Park was also evaluated on the second day. Bantay Dagat members who participated in the RA 10654 orientation were also interviewed. During their conversation, Mayor Martin De Guzman shared the LGU plans to further develop the site as an ecotourism destination.

On the third day, ridge to coast greening initiatives in Aringay, La Union were evaluated. The team reached the bitaog trees planted and nurtured in Brgy. Samara. Mangroves planted in Brgy. Santa Lucia and Brgy. Dulao were also evaluated. Following that, the group proceeded to the Municipal Disposal Facility to count the flowering plants (dama de noche, sampaguita and ylang-ylang) and bamboo planted.

EJSRP2 is supported by US Department of State – International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) and US Department of the Interior – International Technical Assistance Program (DOI-ITAP).

Tanggol Kalikasan is a non-stock, non-profit and non-governmental organization involved in public interest environmental lawyering in the Philippines. Last November 22, 2019, DMMMSU and TK entered into partnership for the establishment of Institute of Environmental Governance. (Celso H. Jucutan)