Some 750 seedlings of “piapi” and “bakhaw” were planted by employees and volunteers of Southern Philippines Power Corp. (SPPC) in a mangrove area that serves to protect the environment along the coastlines of Alabel town in Sarangani Province.
The mangrove planting was SPPC’s contribution to this year’s International Coastal Clean-up activity held in barangay Kawas which drew the participation of government agencies such as DENR, DPWH and DILG as well as the PNP and local Coast Guard.
SPPC’s team of volunteers also helped collect 115 kilograms of trash from the coast line during the annual activity that aims to raise environmental awareness and promote sustainability.
Covering 10 hectares, the mangrove area is a spawning ground for various species of fish and helps maintain ecological balance. It has been declared by DENR as protected along with the entire Sarangani Bay under RA 11038.
Adequate mangrove cover provided by the additional “piapi” and “bakhaw” trees will also serve to protect the coastal communities in Sarangani against strong waves and possible storm surges.
SPPC, like its sister companies belonging to the Alsons Power Group, has been on the forefront of environmental initiatives in Mindanao with projects that include mangrove planting, reef domes, assistance for marine protected areas and tree planting for watershed protection.
Since 2012, the Alsons Power Group companies have planted more than 48,200 seedlings in the municipalities of Alabel, Maasim ang Malapatan in Sarangani in partnership with DENR and other government agencies.
In rolling out its environment-related initiatives and other corporate social responsibility (CSR) projects, Alsons Power Group works closely with the Conrado and Ladislawa Alcantara Foundation, Inc. (CLAFI).
