Cooperatives in Bulacan step up to curb climate change

CITY OF MALOLOS – In an aim to contribute in averting the effects of climate change, the Provincial Cooperative Development Council-Bulacan in partnership with the Provincial Cooperative and Enterprise Development Office (PCEDO) and Municipal Cooperative Development Council (MCDC) of Hagonoy soft launched the “Mangrove Tree Planting and Coastal Vegetation Project” last April 16, 2019 in Hagonoy, Bulacan.

Initially, 500 mangrove seedlings and 300 mangrove propagules were planted in the 10-hectare mangrove sanctuary located in Brgy. Tibaguin in Hagonoy town as part of the bigger project dubbed as “Cooperative Crusade to Curb Climate Change” or simply called the “C5 Project”.

The project originated from the collaborative efforts of the PCDC-Bulacan, MCDC- Hagonoy with the support of the Sanguniang Barangay of Tibaguin, which aims to uphold one of the seven cooperative principles that is the concern for community as it serves as an integral part of the advocacy to restore, rehabilitate the mangrove ecosystem, foster biodiversity protection and vegetate the coastal areas in the community.

PCEDO Cooperative Development Division Head Jerry Caguinguin said that the mangrove sanctuary, previously a wide fishery, got washed out during a storm surge last 2011 and the restoration of its area will benefit not just the fisherfolks but the people who lives near the mangrove area as well.

“Malaki ang maitutulong ng mangroves. Bukod sa nagsisilbing tirahan ito ng mga crabs, reefs, oysters, mga isda at iba pang marine animals, nadedelay nito ang takbo ng hangin, kontrolado nito ang tides at maging ang carbon dioxide,” Caguingin said.

Meanwhile, Governor Wilhelmino M. Sy-Alvarado said that Bulakenyos from all sectors and walks of life should come together and contribute to curb the effects of climate change.

“Climate change is a problem being faced by everyone regardless of one’s stature in the community or one’s location in the map. It’s an issue that we must all address therefore everyone must step up to help control its effects. I commend our cooperatives in the province for taking the big step against climate change,” Alvarado said.

As the notable endeavor continues, thousands of mangrove propagules are expected to be planted by November or December 2019 that will involve all cooperatives in Bulacan.