In celebration of its 47th Anniversary and Earth Day 2022, the Port Management Office of Misamis Oriental/Cagayan de Oro expands its Green Port initiatives by introducing another program for environmental awareness and conservation.
The month of April was dubbed as “Month of the Planet Earth” by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources with the theme “Earth Day Every Day for Climate Action” to promote awareness and raise action in addressing climate change. In line with this, the PMO shows its support to this advocacy by collaborating with the Coast Guard District of Northern Mindanao and 1001st Auxiliary Squadron in conducting environmental activities namely: coral planting, mangrove tree planting, and coastal clean-up. These activities were held on 09 April 2022 with a total of 100 participants from the PMO, PCG, and PCGA at the Philippine Coast Guard Training Center in Laguindingan, Misamis Oriental.
Prior to the activities, a coordination meeting, both physical and virtual, was held on 07 April 2022 to discuss environmental awareness and the relevance of conducting the said activities. The PCGA 1001st Squadron Marine Environmental Protection (MAREP) presented how coral reefs and mangroves play an important role in the marine ecosystem. The PMO personnel are accustomed to mangrove tree planting, but PCGA was able to introduce a new venture – coral reef planting.
Just as mangroves provide protection to the environment, coral reefs, too, are essential especially to the marine life. Aside from protecting coastal communities from strong waters, these animals serve as a habitat to fishes and other marine species. However, they are often damaged by changing water temperatures and pollution, among others. The PMO has added coral planting to its “green” initiatives as it is a huge part of its advocacy towards marine environment conservation. Fortunately, PCGA was able to present a step-by-step procedure on how to properly plant coral reefs during the coordination meeting to ensure successful plantation.
PMO MO/C has collaborated with the Coast Guard District of Northern Mindanao and the 1001st Auxiliary Squadron in different events, especially in marine environment conservation.