Some 750 seedlings of “piapi” and “bakhaw” were planted by employees and volunteers of Southern Philippines Power Corp. (SPPC) in a mangrove area that serves to protect the environment along the coastlines of Alabel town in Sarangani province.
The mangrove planting was SPPC’s contribution to this year’s International Coastal Clean-up activity held in Barangay Kawas. The initiative drew the participation of government agencies such as the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Department of Public Works and Highways, Department of Interior and Local Government, as well as the Philippine National Police and the local Coast Guard.
SPPC’s team of volunteers also helped collect 115 kilograms of trash from the coast line during the annual activity that aims to raise environmental awareness and promote sustainability.
Covering 10 hectares, the mangrove area is a spawning ground for various species of fish and helps maintain ecological balance. It has been declared by the DENR as protected along with the entire Sarangani Bay under Republic Act No. 11038.
Adequate mangrove cover provided by the additional “piapi” and “bakhaw” trees will also serve to protect the coastal communities in Sarangani against strong waves and possible storm surges.
SPPC, like its sister companies belonging to the Alsons Power Group, has been on the forefront of environmental initiatives in Mindanao with projects that include mangrove planting, reef domes, assistance for marine protected areas and tree planting for watershed protection.
Since 2012, the Alsons Power Group companies have planted more than 48,200 seedlings in the municipalities of Alabel, Maasim ang Malapatan in Sarangani in partnership with DENR and other government agencies.
In rolling out its environment-related initiatives and other corporate social responsibility projects, Alsons Power Group has worked closely with the Conrado and Ladislawa Alcantara Foundation, Inc. (CLAFI).
