Strengthening Coastlines, Restoring Ecosystems: SLSU Bontoc Leads Mangrove Planting Initiative with Youth and Partners
Southern Leyte State University–Bontoc Campus (SLSU-Bontoc), through its Research, Innovation, Publication, and Extension (RIPE) Office, conducts a series of mangrove conservation activities in Barangay Sto. Niño, Bontoc, Southern Leyte. Held on April 25 and April 28, 2026, these activities bring together students, youth organizations, and partner institutions in a sustained effort to restore and protect coastal ecosystems.
The activities are organized in partnership with the Sogod National High School Boy Scouts, MLhuillier OPEC Leyte Chapter, and the Foundation for These-Abled Persons, Inc., underscoring a strong multi-sector collaboration aimed at strengthening coastal resilience, promoting environmental stewardship, and supporting community-based rehabilitation efforts.
The initiative focuses on restoring degraded mangrove areas, reinforcing shoreline protection, and raising awareness on the ecological importance of mangroves in sustaining marine biodiversity, particularly fish, crabs, and other coastal species. It also highlights mangroves as natural defenses against coastal erosion, storm surges, and flooding.
The first activity, held on April 25, 2026, involves Boy Scouts from Sogod National High School together with community partners. The group participates in a mangrove planting activity led by Sir Jimmy E. Salamida and Rovelyn E. Aniog under the SLSU-Bontoc RIPE Office.
The program begins with registration and an orientation on mangrove ecology, followed by group planting of species such as bakawan and lapis-lapis in designated coastal zones. Participants are divided into groups to ensure proper spacing and species-site matching, emphasizing the practical application of conservation principles.
The second activity, conducted on April 28, 2026, focuses on a Mangrove Conservation Orientation and Tree-Growing Activity involving a broader set of participants, including MLhuillier OPEC Leyte Chapter and the Foundation for These-Abled Persons, Inc.
Associate Professor Jimmy E. Salamida leads the session, discussing mangrove functions, ecological importance, and proper zonation techniques. After a short documentation session, participants proceed to the planting site to establish mangrove seedlings in previously damaged coastal areas.
Following both activities, participants engage in post-planting processes such as evaluation and informal feedback sessions, where they reflect on their learning experiences and the importance of coastal conservation.
Organizers report positive outcomes from the two activities, noting that mangrove seedlings are successfully planted in degraded coastal zones, contributing to long-term shoreline protection and ecosystem recovery. The initiatives also enhance participants’ practical skills in mangrove planting, biodiversity conservation, and coastal resource management.
Beyond technical learning, the activities foster environmental awareness and strengthen collaboration among students, educators, youth groups, local residents, and partner institutions. Many participants express appreciation for the opportunity to engage in hands-on environmental work, emphasizing the value of collective action in addressing ecological challenges.
A monitoring plan is also established to ensure the survival and growth of the newly planted mangroves, with designated teams assigned to conduct regular site assessments.
Aligned with SLSU-Bontoc’s commitment to transformative education, climate change adaptation, disaster risk reduction, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable development, the activities also support key United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Climate Action (SDG 13), Life Below Water (SDG 14), Life on Land (SDG 15), and Partnerships for the Goals (SDG 17).
These mangrove initiatives stand as coordinated environmental interventions that strengthen community participation in coastal rehabilitation efforts while advancing long-term ecological sustainability in Sto. Niño and the surrounding coastal areas of Bontoc, Southern Leyte.