MATI, Davao Oriental (PNA) – As part of its contribution to help preserve the sustainability of the marine environment, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) started its two-week long planting of mangroves in more sensitive coastlines.

The planting of mangroves is part of the activities marking the 12th founding anniversary of the Philippine Coast Guard’s Marine Environmental Protection Command (MEPCOM) on May 31.

The Coast Guard Districts in South Eastern Mindanao and Palawan started over the weekend the planting of about some 10,000 mangrove saplings. Coast Guard Commandant Admiral Wilfredo D. Tamayo said the PCG, with its 10 Coast Guard Districts, hopes to plant about 60,000 mangrove propagules nationwide to promote environmental awareness and help preserve the sustainability of the marine environment amidst the ensuing effects of climate change.

Commodore Luis M. Tuazon Jr., PCG, Commander of CG District NCRCL and at the same time, the acting commander of the Marine Environmental Protection Command, said the activity would also serve as part of the command’s contribution to the International Year of Biodiversity, particularly on the celebration of the Month of the Ocean this May.

The other activities lined up include training on stranded marine mammals, sponsored by Conservation International on from May 26 to 27, and oil spill response exercise at the Pandacan Depot which will involve the participation of major oil companies and the Philippine Coast Guard.