Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University (DMMMSU) led a mangrove planting activity along the Baroro River in Bacnotan, La Union, on January 18, 2025. A total of 130 mangroves (Rhizophora sp.) were planted through a collaborative effort involving the Environmental Concerns, Sustainability, and Development Unit; Inner Wheel Club Central San Fernando, La Union; Inner Wheel Club South Central; Asosasyon ti Mangngalap ken Mannalon ti Baroro Bacnotan; and the Local Government Unit of Bacnotan, La Union.

Mangroves play critical roles in environmental conservation, serving as habitats for fish and other species, protecting against strong winds and waves, controlling erosion, and sequestering carbon. The initiative aligns with DMMMSU’s commitment to promoting environmental sustainability and advancing Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 13 (Climate Action) and Goal 14 (Life Below Water).

The university expressed gratitude to its partners and supporters, including the Institute of Environmental Studies, Institute of Environmental Governance (IEG), Young Earthsavers’ Society (YES), Celso and Venus Jucutan Family, and Fostering Education & Environment for Development, Inc., for their dedication to sustainability efforts.

This mangrove planting activity underscores DMMMSU’s enduring commitment to environmental stewardship and its vision of a sustainable future. (By Celso H. Jucutan)