The theme of Earth Day is once again “Our Power, Our Planet”, driving focus on the ability of consistent collective action in protecting ecosystems and advancing local solutions. In the Philippines, the theme is articulated in the spirit of Bayanihan, or communal unity and cooperation, which is most prominent when Filipinos help each other out during times of natural calamities.
But even without a storm, several groups and communities in the country — partnering with public and private sector actors — are already thinking ahead, working together to transform vulnerable coastlines into protective natural barriers of mangroves, which can help shield homes and livelihoods from storm surges and erosion.
Guided by its purpose of Transforming Energy for a Better World, Aboitiz Power Corporation (AboitizPower) supports such initiatives through Bayanihan in its host communities in Bataan and in Davao, where it stewards a Marine Protected Area in the Aboitiz Cleanergy Park.
Mangrove adoption in Bataan
AboitizPower, through GNPower Dinginin (GNPD), led a mangrove enhancement planting activity at its Mangrove Adoption and Protection Program site in Barangay East Calaguiman, Samal, Bataan.
This brought together 30 volunteers from the Provincial Government of Bataan, through its Environment and Natural Resources Office, and the local people’s organization Samahan ng Mangingisda ng San Rafael – Anak Dagat (SAMASAD) in early March 2026.
A total of 2,300 mangrove saplings were planted during the activity, consisting of Pagatpat (Mangrove Apple, Sonneratia caseolaris) and Bungalon (Api-api, Avicennia marina). These species were selected for their adaptability and strong ecological benefits, making them well-suited to the water and land conditions of the province.
The initiative forms part of GNPD’s Samal Mangrove Adoption and Protection Program, a P10-million project covering five hectares of mangrove area under a five-year Memorandum of Agreement with Bataan and SAMASAD which was sealed in August 2024. Mangroves help nurture marine life that sustains the communities, hence how the program supports the livelihoods of hito (catfish) and tilapia farming.
