A total of 100 mangrove seedlings were planted at the New Government Center Site of Opol, Misamis Oriental to mark the celebration of the National Zero Waste Month where the PMO MO/C through its Opol Terminal Management Office actively participated on January 29, 2022.

Mangroves perform an integral role in environmental protection, especially for countries like the Philippines which are commonly affected by natural calamities.  Aside from being able to grow where no other trees can, mangroves serve as barriers that protect the shorelines from destructive waves and winds, preventing further damage to the environment, people, and properties.  They also provide habitat for fishes and other marine organisms, simultaneously filtering pollutants from the water and capturing carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.

The Department of Natural Resources (DENR) through its Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) initiated the celebration of the National Zero Waste Month to encourage people in taking part of the country’s efforts in proper waste management and conservation of the environment and its natural resources. One of the activities organized by LGU Opol in their participation is the tree planting activity.

All participants gathered at the site at 6:00 in the morning. Despite the early call time, PM Isidro V. Butaslac, Jr. together with a few other PMO personnel joined representatives from the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office of LGU Opol, Rotary Club District 3870, Philippine Coastguard Auxiliary, and other socio-civic organizations in planting the mangrove seedlings.

The PMO MO/C continues to support the government’s programs in the protection of the environment and its natural resources. Last year, the APEC Ports Services Network recognized the Port of Cagayan de Oro as one of its GPAS (Green Port Award System) Awardees for maintaining sustainable port operations and its contribution to environmental protection and awareness.-BCAcedera