Personnel from energy firm STEAG State Power Inc. (SPI) and the Environment and Natural Resources (ENRO) Office of Misamis Oriental recently conducted a joint inspection and monitoring of the various mangrove development and rehabilitation projects in the province. The activity is part of the continuing commitment to help sustain the marine conservation efforts in Misamis Oriental.
From a 1.4-hectare mangrove development project in its host town of Villanueva, SPI’s support has scaled up to cover an additional 15 hectares. These are located in El Salvador and Gingoog cities and the municipalities of Sugbongcogon, Balingasag, and Gitagum.
The project is implemented by the provincial government using its share in the electricity sales of SPI under the ER 1-94 guidelines of the Department of Energy (DOE).
Mangroves are crucial to providing the essential habitat for thousands of marine species while serving as natural filters of pollutants from upland run-off. They also help in stabilizing shorelines and in preventing soil erosion.