Nat Re volunteers plant mangrove along Baroro River

Taking its sustainability campaign further, volunteers of National Reinsurance Corporation of the Philippines (Nat Re) planted more than 400 mangroves along Baroro River under Fostering Education & Environment for Development, Inc.’s (FEED, Inc.) ECOSURF  Program.

At least 65 Nat Re volunteers joined the planting initiative, which took place in San Juan, La Union, on May 10, 2024. The planting site, located along the man-made dike where local fisherfolk launch and dock their bangkas during fishing season, is close to the Baroro Bridge.

Local fisherfolk, led by Manong Jessie, played a crucial role in the event by delivering mangrove propagules from their backyard nurseries. The local fisherfolk guided Nat Re volunteers through the planting process, which included site preparation, hole digging, beach cleanup for
hazardous and toxic wastes, and the actual planting of 400 Bakawan Babae and Bakawan Lalake mangroves. Their expertise ensured the quality and success of the planting efforts.

Previously, Nat Re had already planted 370 trees in 2019, 500 trees each in 2021 and 2022,900 trees in 2023 – bringing the Company’s total contribution to 3,072 trees planted to date (with an estimated 97% survival rate).

 

In addition to the planting activity, Nat Re volunteers attended an EcoTalk delivered by FEED Ambassador Celso H. Jucutan, an environmental lecturer at Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University (DMMMSU) in Bacnotan. The talk emphasized the importance of mangroves in blue carbon sequestration and their ecological value.

This initiative underscores Nat Re's dedication to environmental conservation and community engagement, contributing to the ecological health of La Union’s coastal areas and supporting local livelihoods.

For more details, visit https://feed.org.ph/media-centre/press-releases-2024/nat-re-replacement-planting-add-400-mangroves-to-baroro-river/