Over 5,000 mangrove seedlings were planted to help preserve the nearby coastlines of Brgy. Lagadlarin, Municipality of Lobo in Batangas province last January 27, 2023

The conservation and protection program was spearheaded by Dow Chemical Philippines, Inc. in partnership with Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) and the Samahan ng Maliliit na Mangingisda sa Pangangalaga ng Kalikasan sa Barangay Lagadlarin (SMMPKBL).

Dow Philippines Country Manager, Mr. Roberto Batungbacal, emphasized the importance of mangroves and expressed his gratitude to all the volunteers and partners of the activity.

“Mangrove forests contribute to the reduction of global warming, acting as traps and filters for marine litter. This will support a collective effort in reducing the impact of climate change and marine debris, which is in line with Dow’s Sustainability Targets to protect the climate and to stop plastic waste. I wish to thank all our sustainability volunteers, students, industry members, government representatives, NGOs, friends and families for working together to help the local community protect and grow the mangrove ecosystem of Lagadlarin,” Batungbacal said.

The planting activity was participated by more than 200 volunteers from Lobo Local Government Unit, Barangay Lagadlagarin leaders and residents, SMMPKBL members, Batangas Coastal Resource Management Foundations with their members from Metro Industries, First Gen, Petron and Mitsubishi, the faculty and students from three campuses of the Batangas State University, Dow distributors - Connell, Suntra, Tradeton, Ellsworth and Krayden, Dow Philippines, and PBSP.

“As one of the volunteers for the mangrove planting, I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute something to the environment and help protect coastlines such as Lagadlarin. I also had the chance to witness collaboration at its finest, with volunteers from government sectors to private companies and students, all in attendance,” Janice Jane Doria-Esteban, Customer Manager of Dow Philippines said.

"What seemed like a daunting task, hundreds of volunteers all gathered to protect existing mangroves and plant new ones proved this otherwise. Thank you Dow for leading this meaningful activity and partnering with PBSP,” Doria-Esteban added.

In 2019, the municipality of Lobo was once alarmed, as a dredging vessel suddenly appeared off Barangay Lagadlarin and anchored close to its 30-hectare mangrove.

Ms. Maureen Relorcasa, President of SMMPKBL, the people’s organization in charge of protecting the mangrove forest ensures the sustainability of the project.

"Ang aming samahan ay taos pusong nagpapasalamat sa DOW sa pagpapaunlak at pagpili sa aming lugar, ang Lagadlarin Mangrove Forest, na makapagdaos ng pagtatanim. Isang napaka makabuluhang aktibidades ang pagtatanim dahil ito'y nakatutulong upang malabanan ang climate crisis. Handa po kami pangalagaan ang lahat ng inyong itinanim habang maliit pa hanggang sa lumaki.,” Relorcasa said.

(Our organization is grateful to DOW for choosing our place, the Lagadlarin Mangrove Forest, to hold the planting. Planting is a very significant activity because it helps to fight the climate crisis. We are ready to take care of everything you planted while it was still small until it grows up.)

Foresters from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources - National Capital Region, Mr. Mark Gabriel de Guzman and Ms. Abegail Orfano were also present during the planting activity as they highlighted the importance of mangroves for carbon sequestration and how it protects coastlines by decreasing the risk of flooding and erosion.

Dow Chemical Philippines, Inc. is a PBSP member and a constant partner and supporter of PBSP’s programs particularly in the environment and education. During the past three pandemic years, Dow has worked hand in hand along with other PBSP members and partners for initiatives supporting learning continuity and assistance to the health sector, particularly to the frontliners.