Cimatu leads mangrove tree planting in BASECO

By Ma. Alaine P. AllaniguePublished on December 24, 2020

DENR Secretary Roy Cimatu, with MMDA Cahir Danilo Lim with DENR-NCR Regional Executive Director Jacqueline Caancan and other officials lookk at what they have planted during a tree-planting activity in BASECO, on Tuesday, Dec. 22, 2020. (Photo credit: DENR) QUEZON CITY, Dec. 24 (PIA) –Environment & Natural Resources chief, Secretary Roy A. Cimatu led a mangrove tree planting activity at the BASECO lagoon in Port Area, Manila on Tuesday, December 22, 2020.

Joining him is Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chair Danilo Lim who appeared amazed at the developments done in the area.

Lim was particularly delighted to find a thriving mangrove ecosystem in the lagoon area as he was seen taking his time feeding fishes that took refuge in the area during his inspection of the boardwalk that DENR National Capital Region constructed.

Cimatu was himself likewise pleased with the progress made in the rehabilitation of BASECO beach area, repeatedly commending local officials, the MMDA, and DENR-NCR Regional Executive Director Jacqueline A. Caancan. According to Cimatu, DENR’s responsibility under the Rehabilitation Program is not confined to the physical rehabilitation, cleaning, and dredging of waterways alone.

“Habitat restoration is a part of the rehabilitation efforts,” Cimatu stressed

He added that the planting activity in BASECO was “only the start of habitat restoration in this part of Manila Bay", instructing the DENR National Capital Region to look into the rehabilitation of the entire coastal stretch of . The secretary mentioned, in particular, the shores of Parola area which stood opposite of BASECO at the mouth of the Pasig River to Manila Bay.

Cimatu and Lim planted Nilad (Scyphiphora hydrophyllacea), Gapas-gapas (Camptostemon philippinensis), Busain (Bruguiera cylindrical), Nipa (Nypa fruticans), and other mangrove associated tree species.

Mangroves help improve water quality and protect the shoreline from siltation and storm surges. The trees also serve as habitat and spawning grounds for fishes and other aquatic resources.

Since 2019, DENR National Capital Region has planted a total of 8,597 mangrove and beach type tree species in BASECO. The regional office also hired Estero rangers and Bakawan Warriors to maintain the area and monitor the growth of the mangroves in partnership with the MMDA and the City of Manila.

DENR National Capital Region also oversees the maintenance of other mangrove areas in Metro Manila like the Las Pinas-Paranaque Wetland Park (LPPWP) and Navotas Marine Tree Park (NMTP). (DENR/PIA-NCR) https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1062437