By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA — The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has completed the rehabilitation of nearly 98 hectares of mangrove forests in the island municipality of Jomalig, Quezon, restoring a vital natural barrier against destructive storms while enhancing marine habitats and coastal livelihoods.
In a report released over the weekend, the DENR-Calabarzon said the rehabilitation focused on mangrove areas in Barangay Talisoy that had sustained extensive damage from successive typhoons over the years.
The restoration project was implemented through several government initiatives, including the National Greening Program, the Yolanda Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Program, and the Mangrove and Beach Forest Development Project.
According to the agency, the renewed mangrove forests are expected to provide stronger protection for coastal communities by reducing the impact of storm surges and coastal erosion while helping preserve the ecological balance of the area’s shoreline.
Beyond serving as a natural defense against extreme weather, the restored mangrove ecosystem is also expected to improve local fisheries by providing breeding and nursery grounds for fish, crabs and other marine species that support the livelihood of fishing communities.
DENR described mangrove forests as one of the country’s most effective natural safeguards against climate-related disasters, emphasizing their role in protecting both people and biodiversity.
Located on the eastern edge of the Polillo Island Group, Jomalig is the smallest municipality in Quezon Province and faces the Pacific Ocean, placing it directly in the path of many tropical cyclones entering the Philippines each year.
Environmental officials said preserving mangrove ecosystems remains a key strategy in improving climate resilience, particularly for island and coastal communities frequently exposed to severe weather conditions.
Mangroves also contribute to healthier coastal waters by trapping sediments, improving water quality and providing organic nutrients that sustain marine life, making them indispensable to the long-term productivity of coastal ecosystems.
The DENR reminded the public that the destruction or cutting of mangrove trees remains prohibited under existing environmental and fisheries laws, including the Revised Forestry Code and the Philippine Fisheries Code.
Authorities noted that stricter enforcement by national agencies, local governments and environmental regulators has significantly reduced illegal mangrove cutting in Quezon Province, where many coastal communities now recognize the importance of preserving these forests as a first line of defense against natural disasters.
ia/xf
