Port Manager Isidro V. Butaslac, Jr. together with the PMO’s Division Managers, joined the accredited port service providers in planting mangrove propagules in a mangrove site in Taytay,El Salvador, Misamis Oriental on 15 April 2021 during the PMO MO/C’s anniversary and in advance celebration of the Earth Day on 22 April 2021.

With this year’s Earth Day theme,” Restore Our Earth,” the participants were able to plant more than 2,000 propagules for the goal of sustainable conservation and protection of the marine ecosystem. Mangroves serve as breeding grounds for marine organisms, shelter for some wildlife, and a natural buffer between land and sea to prevent shoreline erosion. It also helps filter pollutants and improve seawater quality.

This activity is also part of the port service providers’ continuing compliance with the PPA Administrative Order No. 14-2020, “Mandatory Tree and/or Mangrove Planting as Condition for the issuance of Accreditation, Certificate of Registration, Appointment, or Award or Contract or Renewal/Extension thereof.”