With the theme “Working as One”, various civic groups and agencies including the Port Management Office of Misamis Oriental/Cagayan de Oro came together on 23 May 2019 with the mission to plant ten thousand (10,000) mangrove propagules at Taytay, El Salvador, Misamis Oriental.

The activity drew a total of 300 individuals in attendance.

By its ardent commitment to environmental protection and conservation, the PMO has been actively engaging in various environmental activities in cooperation with different agency partners. Recognizing that the water is the lifeblood of the ports, the PMO gives special regards to mangrove planting activities. Mangroves are known to serve as breeding grounds for marine organisms, a shelter for some wildlife, and a natural buffer between land and sea to prevent shoreline erosion. Mangroves also improve water quality by filtering pollutants.

In recent years, the PMO has planted more than 5,000 mangrove propagules within the total combined area of 30 hectares located at Bonbon, Cagayan de Oro; Pangayawan, Gitagum; and in Taytay, El Salvador. — IMR Lam