Bohol — In a dedicated effort to strengthen climate resilience and environmental stewardship, the Provincial Government of Bohol (PGBh) recently spearheaded a community-based mangrove planting activity and Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) campaign in Barangay Fatima, Ubay. Held on June 24, 2026, in observance of Environment Month, the initiative underscores the province’s unwavering commitment to sustainable coastal resource management as the Philippines’ first and only UNESCO Global Geopark.
Strengthening Coastal Defense and Biodiversity
The event brought together approximately 50 passionate volunteers, including local barangay officials, health workers, tanods, and on-the-job trainees from the Bohol Island State University (BISU) campuses in Calape, Candijay, and Clarin. Under the leadership of Governor Aris Aumentado, the Bohol Provincial Environment Management Office (BPEMO) coordinated the activity with the local government unit of Ubay and the Barangay Fatima leadership. The team successfully planted 200 Avicennia mangrove seedlings along the coastline, a vital step toward rehabilitating degraded areas. These mangroves act as essential natural buffers, protecting shorelines from storm surges, reducing erosion, and serving as critical nursery grounds for marine biodiversity.
Building Awareness for a Greener Future
Beyond the physical act of planting, the IEC campaign played a crucial role in deepening community understanding of environmental protection. Participants engaged in discussions centered on biodiversity conservation, the importance of mangroves in climate adaptation, and the collective responsibility required to maintain Bohol’s natural heritage. This educational outreach aligns with the PGBh’s Strategic Governance Roadmap, which emphasizes the integration of environmental stewardship into local development. By involving students and local leaders, the province is fostering a culture of conservation that empowers communities to actively participate in the management of their own natural resources.
Advancing Bohol’s UNESCO Geopark Mission
This initiative is part of a broader, year-round provincial strategy to reinforce Bohol’s position as a sustainable UNESCO Global Geopark. Throughout 2026, the BPEMO has been highly active, conducting environmental management coordination meetings, enforcing enhanced marine wildlife protection ordinances, and facilitating province-wide mangrove rehabilitation projects. As Bohol continues to balance economic progress with rigorous environmental conservation, activities like the one in Barangay Fatima serve as a model for how grassroots participation, when aligned with provincial policy, can effectively build a more resilient, cleaner, and greener future for all Boholanos.
