INTEGRATED energy company Semirara Mining and Power Corporation (SMPC) provided 10,000 mangrove seedlings to the Municipality of Caluya, Antique as part of its mangrove enrichment and sustainable development program outside of Semirara Island.
Six thousand (6,000) seedlings have already been planted in the 4-hectare portion of the mangrove sanctuary along Magtang River in Barangay Harique, Sibay Island on May 30-31, 2022 while one thousand seedlings were planted in Barangay Imba’s 2-hectare mangrove forest on April 27.
Mangroves or bakawan are powerful carbon sinks because they capture carbon dioxide and store these in their roots and branches. The amount of carbon they store is estimated to be up to four times greater than that stored by other tropical forests, making these coastal forests extremely valuable in mitigating climate change.
Mangroves are important habitats for fish, shellfish, and other marine organisms, thereby sustaining marine resources that fisherfolk in Sibay Island depend on for livelihood. They also stabilize shorelines and protect coastal communities from storm surges and extreme weather events.
“Magtang River is one of the identified ecotourism destinations that will be developed. Through this partnership with SMPC, we will be able to ensure the conservation and protection of the areas which are essential for sustainable tourism development,” said Caluya Mayor Rigil Kent Lim.
Magtang River is a 2-kilometer stretch of mangrove sanctuary with 200 hectares of mangrove forest. Common mangrove species found in the area include bakhaw, api-api, and pagatpat.
SMPC’s enhancement initiative is a joint partnership with the Caluya Municipality, Caluya Bantay Dagat and the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office.
To date, SMPC has planted more than 600,000 mangroves covering over 190 hectares on Semirara Island.
SMPC is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year since the acquisition and management control by parent company DMCI Holdings, Inc. in 1997./PN
