Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the Jaime V. Ongpin Foundation Inc. (JVOFI) have signed a memorandum of agreement for the restoration and rehabilitation of mangroves in Siargao, Surigao del Norte that was severely affected by typhoon Odette last year.
The parties agreed to conduct a three-year post-disaster restoration and rehabilitation of 143 hectares of mangrove on Siargao.
Under the agreement, JVOFI will provide P10 million to cover the cost of restoration and rehabilitation of storm-damaged mangroves particularly in the municipalities of Del Carmen, Dapa, General Luna, San Benito and Socorro. The foundation will also implement solid waste management activities in the island.
DENR regional office in Caraga, together with the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office in Surigao del Norte and Community Environment and Natural Resources Office in Dapa will serve as project implementers.
The government, under the agreement, will also conduct the identification and delineation of the 143-hectare mangrove site and determine the mode of plantation establishment, protection, and maintenance.
Siargao is home to hundreds of flora and fauna with a highly diverse mangrove forest, accounting for 19 out of 54 known mangrove species in the world.
The government is bent on adding and preserving mangroves plantation as it serves as a natural sea barrier as well as a carbon sequestration mechanism apart from being a sanctuary for fish and other marine life.
JVOFI is a non-government organization that ensures the promotion of conservation, protection, rational management and utilization of critical ecological resources in the country.
