The Department of Forest Science of BiPSU Biliran Campus partnered with several organizations in the Municipality of Biliran to conduct a mangrove tree planting activity on March 19 in Brgy. Sanggalang, Biliran.

This community-based mangrove restoration initiative is part of the approved extension program of the Forest Science Department and the Municipal Agriculture Office of the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Biliran, titled “A Community-Driven Approach to Climate Change Mitigation, Adaptation, and Sustainable Development.”

The activity, which brought together more than 100 stakeholders in a shared commitment to climate resilience and sustainable development, aimed to strengthen coastal resilience and pave the way for agri-ecotourism development. It also aims to offer a sustainable source of income for local communities while contributing to the local economy.

Several agencies and non-government organizations participated in the activity, including the Philippine National Police (PNP) - Biliran, Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) - Biliran, San Juan Nepomuceno Parish Council – Biliran, Sanggalang Farmers and Fisherfolks Association, BiPSU Biliran Campus students and faculty members, and the local community.

In an interview, For. Melanie Moncada, chairperson of the Department of Forest Science, shared that the initiative was a response to the community's need to restore the once-abundant mangrove forest in Brgy. Sanggalang.

“The area was devastated by Typhoon Urduja in 2017,” she revealed. “I believe it is our duty to help the community restore coastal protection, revive biodiversity, and enhance livelihoods.”

To strengthen the partnership between BiPSU and LGU-Biliran in recognizing the ecological, economic, and social importance of mangrove ecosystems, a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) is set to be signed soon.

The agreement will outline specific programs including capacity-building sessions on nursery establishment, site selection, and mangrove propagation techniques, formation of local working groups to ensure community-led restoration efforts, establishment of a functional, community-managed mangrove nursery as a sustainable restoration hub, development of alternative livelihood opportunities, such as eco-tourism and sustainable aquaculture, to provide economic benefits to local communities, and regular monitoring and evaluation to track progress, community engagement, and the long-term impact of restoration efforts.

BiPSU will also enter into a partnership agreement soon with the people’s organizations of Biliran town to advance livelihood and eco- tourism.

[This aligns with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 13: Climate Action, SDG 14: Life Below Water, SDG 15: Life on Land, and SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth.]