14 Sep 2024 – The Philippine Ports Authority has expanded its environmental awareness and protection campaign to the coastal community of Talisayan, a nearby town of Balingoan. Through its Terminal Management Office of Balingoan, PPA spearheaded a tree planting activity in coordination with the Local Government of Talisayan and the DENR-Community Environment and Natural Resources Office – Gingoog City.

On a rainy Saturday morning of 14 Sep 2024, representatives from different agencies comprising the Balingoan Port Community came together at Brgy. Mandahilag, Talisayan, Misamis Oriental for a common goal of regenerating the beach forest of said area. This activity is in line with the celebration of the Maritime and Archipelagic Nation Awareness Month (MANA Mo) and the National Maritime Week which are celebrated annually every September. No less than 80 personnel from PPA, PCBSI-PTMC, PCG Auxiliary 1012 Squadron, PNP Balingoan MPS, PNP Maritime Group, Bureau of Fire Protection, Department of Education, DENR, Philstone Shipping Corp. and LGU-Talisayan converged and planted at least 200 seedlings of Alagau-Dagat (Premna serratifolia L.), a beach forest specie native to the Philippines.

Alagau-Dagat, also called Ananghit, Malamulawin and other local names, grows along rocky and sandy coasts, near mangroves and nipa forests and other coastal sites. This small tree/shrub is also useful to the community as its leaves and fruits are edible and eaten as vegetables while its bark is used as binding material. It is also used in traditional construction and for tool and knife handles, implements and paddles. This plant is also known for its medicinal use, particularly for the treatment of malaria and beri-beri. The decoction of leaves is used for bathing infants and the leaves extract is used for cleaning wounds and for ticks and fleas’ prevention.

The latest tsunami and storm surge events and the sea-level rise associated with global warming have highlighted the role of beach forest greenbelts in conferring protection on coastal communities. Understanding its significance, the port community looks forward to the survival and sustainability of the planted trees. Officials of Brgy. Mandahilag and Mandahilag Elementary School likewise committed to look after and maintain these plants.

P-agbangon
P-ag-unlad
A-bot tanaw

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