Mangroves do more than prevent coastal erosion—they provide natural protection against storms and serve as critical habitats for biodiversity. Across several barangays in Real, women have taken the lead in caring for mangrove ecosystems—planting and protecting trees, gathering resources responsibly, and preserving practices that ensure both food and ecological balance.
As these women care for the mangroves, the mangroves, in turn, sustain them.
“The mangroves provide coastal and marine animals a home and a breeding ground, which in turn supports our livelihoods and provides us with food,” said Demie Shane Bataller of Barangay Cawayan.
The mangrove forests of Real support a variety of edible resources, including shellfish like “sihi” (and “sihing dapa”), “bangkalan,” and “paros,” as well as fruits from the Busain tree, a lesser-known mangrove species. These are harvested in moderation, with deep respect for the ecosystem.
