PAPSAC conduct mangrove planting, coastal clean up in Pagadian

BY Gideon C. Corgue

PAGADIAN CITY, August 14- In order to reduce coastal erosion and protect communities against flooding, strong winds and waves, and tsunami, the Pagadian Airport Station Advisory Council (PAPSAC) in partnership with the barangay council of Muricay conducted a mangrove planting and coastal clean up recently.

P/Captain Edward Magracia, the station chief said that PAPSAC is conducting mangrove planting as its project to protect the homes on the coast when there is a disaster such as a tsunami and strong waves that occur.

"The mangroves are the favorite habitat of our fish and crabs, so we will plant 300 saplings so they have a place to stay," said Magracia.

Punong Barangay Abdulmohaimen Ever said that planting mangroves is a big help in their coastal barangay to protect the houses along the coast.

"This event is very memorable because the police stationed at the Pagadian Airport led the planting of mangroves here in barangay Muricay. They are not only guarding the area around the airport but they are also guarding the environment of our barangay by planting mangroves with the stakeholders," Ever said.

Jerwin Sotto of the Happy Life Triathlon Team thanked that their organization was invited to participate in the event.

"We are happy to have planted mangroves and cleaned the surroundings of the barangay because this is a way we can show our love for the environment. We are not only involved in sports but also in the environment. The mangrove planting has a big impact in solving climate change in our country," said Sotto.

Meanwhile, Brix Pairat of Crime Buster, Pagadian City chapter said that more than 30 members of their organization who are all studying in college actively participated in the event because they want to contribute to the preservation of our environment.

The members brought the mangrove saplings and planted together and also cleaned the area. They collected the scattered garbage in the area and put it in an empty sacks to keep the sea clean and to prevent the fish from disappearing in the area.

"We participated in this activity because it is related to nurturing our environment and so that we can preserve the natural habitat of our fish," Pairat concluded. (jcc/The Pagadian Times)