preserving paradise: The Barangay Manoc-manoc Mangrove Reforestation Area

Boracay Island is a premiere tourist destination which boasts of sugar-fine, white sand beach incomparable to any in the world.  The Boracay Master Development Plan was created to ensure the preservation of this island paradise.   

Like all coastal areas, erosion is a common problem.  Therefore, mangrove reforestation is one of the best ways to ensure that coastal soil is protected against erosion, especially against the big waves.   And this is main benefit of this project to Barangay Manocmanoc, Boracay Island.  Second, it acts as a natural windbreaker especially during the monsoon period, which is important as Sitio Lugotan, where the mangrove project is an alternative boat station during the Habagat season.  

Other benefits would include increase of income for fishermen because mangrove areas are a nursery for fingerlings and other marine life like shells, crabs, and stone fishes.  This will also be very helpful for the sustenance of the locals in the area near the mangrove project.   The locals use the leaves of the mangrove trees for cough and stomach pain relief, so the mangrove trees also have their medicinal value.  

Barangay Manocmanoc is undertaking this mangrove reforestation project not for future harvesting, but for permanent anti-soil protection guaranty and as a permanent windbreaker.   And therefore, the use for” bakawan” timber will not be tolerated nor be considered as a benefit.

Long Term Effect

The long term effect is obvious.  Prevention of soil erosion and the protection of the coastal area during the strong winds of the storms and the “amihan”, will help preserve the natural beauty and landscape of Sitio Lugotan which is utilized as an alternate boat station during the habagat season.  It will also effectively filter all the dirt and wastes from the land to pollute the waters along the Sitio Lugotan area. This is very important for Boracay Island, because its pristine beach is its main tourism asset.  

The mangrove reforestation project will also provide a very good supply of fish and marine life in this particular area. It will be a colorful sanctuary of colorful fishes and marine plants worthy to become a snorkeling spot where families can swim amidst a school of fingerlings. It will also be an abundant source of shells and crabs for the tourist and local markets of Boracay Island.

During the summer, this mangrove will also be a source of shade for visitors and locals, especially for boatmen and fishermen in the area.

Maintenance of the Project

To maintain the project, the Barangay Manocmanoc Council will initially need a skid loader and dump truck to ensure that the road leading to the area will be properly rehabilitated.  This will make it easier for those who are involved in the project to access the area and to monitor that no unauthorized people can enter the area especially during the growing period of the seedlings and for tourists and visitors to easily visit the area as part of their Island tour.  

The Committee on Environment and Sanitation will continue to monitor the area under the supervision of the Chairman.  In the future, a particular fee will be charged for entry into the area to ensure its maintenance and protection.  Specific guidelines and regulations will be issued for people who will enter and swim in the area.  No fishing, shell gathering or crab catching activity will be allowed in the area except for specific authorized groups. A Barangay ordinance shall be issued prohibiting the cutting down of mangrove trees for timber for boat making, construction and even firewood will be put into effect and enforced.