Dads tell CMB: Submit mangrove study in 15 days Arian Sweden

CEBU, Philippines - The Cebu City Coastline Management Board (CMB) has 15 days to study and assess areas within its territorial jurisdiction which are suitable for planting mangroves or mangrove forests that can still be restored or rehabilitated as natural buffer against storm surges.

The Cebu City Council has set the deadline for the CMB to submit report after the approval of the resolution requesting the body to conduct the study and assessment.

Approved by the council during its session last Wednesday, the resolution is in view of the devastation caused by typhoon Yolanda which prompted President Benigno Simeon Aquino III to order the Department of Environment and Natural Resources to undertake comprehensive program of environment protection.

This include the no build zones on coastlines to ensure the transfer of residents to safe resettlement areas and planting or restoring mangrove forests in coastline areas.

Councilor Alvin Dizon, the proponent of the resolution, cited that during the 4th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Heritage Park Conference, mangroves have been declared as Philippines’ best hope for mitigating climate change as barriers or natural seawalls that protect coastal communities from tsunamis and storm surges.

Cebu City has at least 16 coastal barangays.

 â€œIt is important to study if these areas are still suitable for planting mangroves,” said Dizon.

Likewise, the approved resolution also includes requesting and urging all business groups and companies and civil society organizations based and operating in Cebu City, to make mangrove planting as part of their corporate social responsibility.

The CMB is expected to submit their report to the City Council next week. (FREEMAN)