Bayanihan Spirit Triumphs in DENR-IX Women Sector By: MARIZ REVALES

The women sector in the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)-IX proves its role as powerful agent of change in relation to environmental  risk reduction as the nation celebrates the National Women's Month this March with the theme "Women Weathering Climate Change: Governance and Accountability, Everyone's  Responsibility".   Officers and Members of the BSFA-DENR GAD personnel pose for posterity at their newly established mangrove nursery at Barangay Bulanit, Labangan, ZDS.                Women from DENR Regional Office, PENRO ZDS, and CENRO Pagadian recently have collaborated with    members of the Bulanit Seaweeds Farmer's   Association (BSFA) to produce around 5,000 mangrove potted propagules an important activity for the establishment of a mini-nursery named as BSFA-Gender and Development (GAD) Mangrove Nursery located at Barangay Bulanit, Labangan, Zamboanga Del Sur.   The BSFA is a people's organization, within the jurisdiction of CENRO Pagadian City,   responsible in the   maintenance   and protection of the existing 54- hectare   mangrove plantation in Bulanit, Labangan, ZDS.   Portion of the 54- hectare mangrove plantation established by the BSFA at Barangay Bulanit, Labangan, ZDS. DENR 9   GAD focal person Milca N.  Huelar disclosed that the said collaborative effort   is the result of the mutual agreement made between the BSFA officials and the GAD focal person of CENRO Pagadian City during the census conducted last February 24, 2012 to raise quality mangrove seedlings at their own backyards and establish a joint BSFA-GAD Mangrove Nursery which started last March 8, 2012 during the celebration of the World Women's Day.  The raised propagules upon reaching their plantable age of five months this August are to be used for the replenishment of some planted propagules which did not survive due to barnacle ("sisi" in Bisayan dialect) infestation.                   According to experts, mangrove forest serves as a buffer zone from strong winds and tidal waves. It curbs the negative impact of Climate Change such as temperature increase, variability in precipitation and sea level rise.  An average tree can absorb up to 48 pounds of carbon dioxide each year and an acre of trees can take in a cumulative 26 tons of carbon dioxide.     Women sector of DENR-IX and BSFA potting mangrove propagules.             Many people regard mangroves as nothing more than a source of firewood and construction materials. However, mangroves have important ecological functions as well as economic uses. These include the following:  Protection of shoreline, seagrass beds, and coral reefs; Nursery for some fishes, shrimps, and mud crabs; Food and sanctuary for other marine life; Potential ecotourism sites; and Protection of reclaimed land.      Mangroves protect our shorelines from natural elements and provide food and protection to marine animals. Moreover, mangroves offer direct economic benefits. The economic equivalent of one hectare of mangrove per year is estimated at P 22,800. This value comes in the form of wood and fish products. (White and Trinidad, 1998)               Tree growing is being undertaken by Women in the DENR since 2008 when the Green Philippine Highways (GPH) Project   was implemented through social mobilization. This activity is also in response to the objective of DENR – led National Greening Program pursuant to Executive Order No.  26 signed by President Benigno Simeon C. Aquino III last February 24, 2011 which seeks to plant 1.5 billion trees to 1.5 million hectares of denuded lands of the public domain  from 2011-2016.               This bayanihan effort does not end in reforestation activity as the DENR-9 GAD has plans to intensify the implementation of Solid Waste Management in the area and to introduce to women populace some doable livelihood project geared towards disaster preparedness and building resilient communities. (H. A. Ascura/DENR- IX PR).