A mangrove rehabilitation project in Naga City, Cebu, is set to bolster coastal protection, improve marine habitats, and create additional income opportunities for local fisherfolk over the coming years.
Project Details
Aboitiz Construction has partnered with the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAFI), with support from Aboitiz Foundation Inc., to implement the Mangrove Forest Enhancement Project in Barangay San Isidro through 2029. The initiative aims to produce, plant, and nurture 1,000 mangrove seedlings across approximately 0.10 hectares of coastal area.
Mangroves serve as natural barriers against storm surges and coastal erosion while providing breeding grounds for fish and other marine species that support local livelihoods.
Community Benefits
The project will benefit 25 members of the San Isidro Farmers and Fishermen Association, who will receive training on mangrove plantation design, nursery establishment, seedling production, site preparation, and maintenance. Beyond environmental restoration, the initiative is expected to generate additional income through seedling production and paid work related to site preparation, planting, and maintenance.
Statements from Partners
Aboitiz Construction senior assistant vice president for Business Transformation Karmine Andrea Ching said the project aims to preserve vital ecosystems while creating lasting benefits for communities that depend on coastal resources. The partners are targeting at least an 85 percent survival rate for planted seedlings through continuous monitoring, maintenance, and community participation.
RAFI president and chief executive officer Amaya Cristina Fansler noted that the foundation’s One to Tree program has evolved from a tree-planting initiative into a community-centered effort ensuring local communities share in the benefits of environmental conservation.
Broader Sustainability Efforts
The mangrove enhancement project adds to Aboitiz Construction’s broader sustainability initiatives. In 2024, the company also signed a three-year partnership with RAFI to plant 1,455 seedlings in Lian, Batangas.
