By: Zsarlette Alanne A Cabana, MAERS Center Intern

In partnership with the Philippine Jesuit Refugee Service, the Xavier University - Mckeough Advancement for Environment, Resilience, and Sustainability Center successfully planted mangrove seedings during their first mangrove planting last 9 and 10 April 2026 in Kinoguitan and Balingasag.

Volunteers work with the locals in planting mangrove seedlings

A total of 5,000 mangrove seedlings were successfully planted in Buko, Kinoguitan and Binitinan, Balingasag, with species planted including bakhaw lalaki (Rhizophora apiculata), pagatpat puti (Sonneratia alba), and piapi (Avicennia rumphiana). Alongside PJRS and MAERS Center, representatives from the Xavier University Biophilic Society, the Sangguniang Kabataan of Binitinan and Balingasag, and the Balingasag Philippine National Police joined in on the initiative.

As part of Project CARE (Community Action to Resist, Adapt, Rehabilitate and Engage for the Environment), mangrove rehabilitation played a key part in benefitting fisherfolk in these barangays through training and workshops, helping them to develop sustainable livelihood opportunities.

Through this partnership, XU-MAERS continues to reaffirm its commitment to environmental protection and sustainability by working closely with its partners such as PJRS, government agencies, civil society groups, and local communities, and upholds its mission of resilience, sustainability, and inclusive environmental action.

 

SDG Life on Climate Action, Life Below Water, and Land.