SANTO TOMAS, LA UNION – DMMMSU through its Environmental Concerns, Sustainability, and Development (ECSD) and Gender and Development (GAD) Units, in partnership with the Local Government of Santo Tomas, successfully held a mangrove planting initiative in Barangay Narvacan on March 28, 2025.
This event, which engaged over 60 volunteers from various national government agencies and local partners, was organized in honor of National Women’s Month and to commemorate the life of Mr. Cerenio F. Jucutan, the late father of Mr. Celso H. Jucutan, Director of the ECSD Unit.
A total of 220 mangrove seedlings were planted. Mangrove ecosystems provide essential habitats for aquatic species, act as natural barriers against storm surges, prevent coastal erosion, and contribute to climate change mitigation by sequestering carbon dioxide. The conservation and management of mangrove forests are vital for enhancing food security and fostering environmental resilience.
Also, numerous organizations contributed to this initiative by providing both human resources and materials. The following groups participated in the planting efforts:
- Fostering Education and Environment for Development, Inc. (FEED) – 100 mangroves
- Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) – 46 mangroves
- Department of Social Welfare and Development 1 – 10 mangroves
- Department of Migrant Workers 1 – 10 mangroves
- Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas – La Union
- National Nutrition Council 1
- Department of Agriculture – Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources 1
- Department of Human Settlements 1
- Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Environmental Management Bureau 1
- DMMMSU
- Local Government Unit of Santo Tomas, La Union
- Barangay Narvacan, Santo Tomas
- Celso H. Jucutan – 54 mangroves
This initiative underscores the significance of collaborative efforts in preserving natural resources and enhancing community resilience in the face of environmental challenges. (By Celso H. Jucutan)
