Gokongwei-led carrier Cebu Pacific (CEB), as part of its sustainability initiatives, turned over last week the mangrove site it had been maintaining to the Tapon Fisherfolk Association and the local government unit (LGU) of Dumanjug, Cebu.
The move aims to support the fisherfolk’s livelihood and to enhance coastal protection.
According to CEB, at least 10,000 mangrove trees have been planted at the site since 2023. Tree planting was a joint effort of CEB employees, the LGU, the association and the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAFI).
CEB added that the site used to be under the care of RAFI, but the airline entered into a three-year partnership to take care of the mangrove site and help capacitate the local fisherfolk.
“We are proud to stand alongside RAFI and the Tapon Fisherfolk Association as we work to restore and protect our coastlines. These efforts help preserve biodiversity, strengthen community resilience and secure livelihood for future generations,” CEB vice president for corporate strategy and risk officer Aileen Isidro said in a statement.
More than five hectares of coastline have been restored, and 35 members of the Tapon Fisherfolks Association were trained in seedling propagation, site preparation, and mangrove planting.
The association will now take the lead in maintaining and monitoring the mangrove sites.| – Ma. Cristina Arayata/PNA
