BALANGA CITY, Bataan — Mangrove and wetland conservation is strengthening flood protection and sustaining fishing communities in Balanga City, as the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) pushes nature-based solutions to disaster risks.
DENR Secretary Juan Miguel Cuna highlighted this during his visit to the Balanga Wetland and Nature Park, noting that healthy mangroves serve as natural barriers against flooding, protect fishery habitats, and support local fisherfolk.
The initiative supports President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to strengthen disaster preparedness and environmental protection through measures that reduce flood risks and sustain livelihoods.
For Balanga fisherfolk, the benefits are now tangible.
Balanga City Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management Council President Jaime Buenaventura said communities were previously exposed to flooding after widespread cutting of mangroves.
“Maraming nangangahoy at pinuputol yung aming mga bakawan. Pag nag high tide lang, problema na. Sasabayan pa ng malakas na hangin, dobleng laki ng tubig,” Buenaventura said. “Kapos din sa hinuhuling isda para sa pag-aaral ng mga anak.”
He said fisherfolk now work with the DENR to protect mangroves and maintain coastal cleanliness through regular cleanups.
“Ngayon kasama na namin ang DENR na protektahan ang bakawan para sa kapakanan ng aming mga kabarangay,” he said, adding that residents no longer fear flooding as much.
Beyond flood protection, mangroves have improved incomes.
Fisherman Benjie Manuel said fisherfolk used to earn as little as P200 a day.
“Noon, pag naka-dalawang daang piso ka, maswerte ka na. Ngayon, nadoble — nagiging limang daan o anim na raan na. Kaya pag-aaral ng mga anak namin, nasusuportahan na,” Manuel said.
He thanked the government for its support in mangrove planting.
“Napakalaking tulong. Naging depensa na sa mga palaisdaan, depensa pa sa mamamayan,” he said.
Mangrove conservation in Balanga continues to protect coastal communities from flooding while preserving fishery resources and supporting local livelihoods.
The post Mangroves strengthen flood protection, fisherfolk livelihoods in Bataan first appeared on Pampanga News Now.