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5 things you need to know about the National Coastal Greenbelt Act
The National Coastal Greenbelt Act (NCGA) is a proposed piece of legislation that seeks to establish a comprehensive program focused on protecting, restoring, and managing mangrove and beach forests.

Adrian Josh Lepiten
7 days ago3 min read


Progress or Regress: The Price of Convenience at the Cost of Mangroves
Written by Mae Joy A. Clemente, Jomar C. Garcia, Hans Benedict D.S. Pena, Mark Josell G. Dejasco, Maria Isabel L. Pabalan, Hannah Faith Lasquite, Aaron James Ortega, John Castor Aguirre, Zidfre Tayabas, and Christine Nicole Agbayani (March 31, 2026) – “Every indicator is flashing red”, were the words of the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO), a specialized unit within the United Nations (UN), after releasing the State of the Global Climate 2025 . The Earth is slowly succ
Mangrove Matters PH
Mar 313 min read


60 Young Changemakers Champion Mangrove Communication on International Day of Forests
Written by Matthew Vincent Tabilog, Founder Metro Manila (March 21, 2026) – In celebration of the International Day of Forests, Mangrove Matters PH (MMPH), a youth-led organization committed to the conservation and protection of mangrove forests in the Philippines, along with 60 youth members across Luzon gathered at the Las Piñas-Parañaque Wetland Park (LPPWP) for the Workshop for Young Mangrove Science Communicators, supported by the Small Grants Programme of the ASEAN Cen
Mangrove Matters PH
Mar 223 min read


Why Rhizophora-Dominated Mangrove Plantations May Not Save Our Coasts
Written by Cyril Mae Embalsado, Science Communication Officer Mangrove Forest in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan Mangrove forests are a vital part of coastal ecosystems, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions, where they provide essential ecosystem services . Additionally, they play a significant role in climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction by stabilizing coastlines against typhoons and storm surges. Mangroves also serve as breeding grounds for aquati
Mangrove Matters PH
Mar 184 min read


World Seagrass Day: Learn more about the wonders of this often overlooked ecosystem
Written by Matthew Vincent Tabilog, Founder of MMPH Today is World Seagrass Day, a day to recognize one of the ocean’s most vital yet overlooked ecosystems. Often mistaken for seaweeds, seagrasses play a critical role in promoting climate change mitigation, biodiversity, fisheries, culture and tradition, and coastal protection. Conserving them is important and in doing so, learning more about this marine habitat is the first step. What are Seagrasses? Seagrasses inhabit an ex
Mangrove Matters PH
Mar 13 min read


Endangered Mangroves in the Philippines fighting against Extinction
Written by: Adrian "Jace" Lepiten, Science Communication Vice Lead Photo courtesy of Maxwell Ridgeway, Unsplash The Philippines is renowned as a global hotspot for mangrove diversity, showcasing an impressive array of around 40 distinct species of true mangroves that thrive throughout its sprawling archipelago. These lush coastal forests play a vital ecological role, providing habitat for numerous marine and terrestrial species. However, the extent of mangrove cover has exp
Mangrove Matters PH
Feb 234 min read


Ney Cortez of MMPH Shares the Essential Role of Youth Empowerment and Community Engagement in The Southeast Asian Exchange.
“I will not sugarcoat the serious problems faced by mangroves in our country.” The line dropped by Ney when asked about the risks faced by these coastal wetlands. Ney Cortez, Science Communication Lead of Mangrove Matters PH, shares her insights as a speaker during the panel organized by The Southeast Asian Exchange last January 31, 2026. Ney emphasized the serious threats to mangroves, including reclamation, unscientific coastal development, improper planting, and others. I
Mangrove Matters PH
Feb 71 min read


Advancing Youth Leadership in Ocean Action: MMPH Executive Director at the 2025 Blue Wave Conference
The Blue Wave Conference: Youth Empowerment for Ocean Science and Action took place on October 30–31, 2025, in Shenzhen, People’s Republic of China, convening more than 100 youth delegates, researchers, educators, and policy advocates from over 15 countries. Organized in support of the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021–2030), the conference served as a regional platform to strengthen youth participation in ocean science, governance, and
Mangrove Matters PH
Dec 14, 20255 min read


Reflections from the High Seas Alliance Annual Planning Meeting
High Seas Alliance Family The ocean covers more than 70% of our planet, yet the high seas, which are the vast ocean areas beyond any nation's jurisdiction, typically starting 200 nautical miles from coastlines, make up over two-thirds of this body of water and have long existed in a governance gap, vulnerable to overexploitation, environmental degradation, and the effects of climate change. This October 21-24, I had the opportunity of attending the High Seas Alliance (HSA) An

Parker Shane Manalaysay
Nov 17, 20255 min read


DPWH Flood Control Funds Corruption: A Call for Nature-Based Solutions and Accountability
Initiated by MANGROVE MATTERS PH A Coalition Statement by Youth Environmental Organizations September 18, 2025 (Philippines) - We, the...
Mangrove Matters PH
Oct 1, 20255 min read


Panay-Guimaras Negros Bridge Suspended: A Victory for the Guimaras Strait and Irrawaddy Dolphins
September 10, 2025 (Iloilo City, Philippines) - The Panay–Guimaras–Negros (PGN) Bridge, a 32.47-kilometer project connecting the islands...
Mangrove Matters PH
Sep 10, 20253 min read


Youth Initiatives Contribute in the Enactment of Panaon Island Protected Seascape
Quezon City, Philippines (September 4, 2025) - A gathering of young environmental advocates, governments, non-government organizations,...
Mangrove Matters PH
Sep 5, 20253 min read


Mangrove Matters PH Joins Victory Meeting After Controversial Jetty Port Construction on Apo Island Receives a Cease and Desist Order
Last Saturday (August 10th), Mangrove Matters PH joined environmental advocates in celebrating a significant conservation victory during...
Mangrove Matters PH
Aug 18, 20253 min read


MMPH’s Statement on the Mangrove Degradation Case in Cebu City Brought by DPWH’s Flood-Mitigation Project
Mangrove Matters PH, a youth-led organization dedicated to mainstreaming mangrove conservation in the Philippines through science...
Mangrove Matters PH
Aug 14, 20252 min read


Mangrove Matters PH's Science Communication Lead Advocates for Youth-Led Conservation at Major National Forums
Metro Manila, Philippines – Genea Nichole "Ney" Cortez, Science Communication Lead of Mangrove Matters PH (MMPH), has been actively...
Mangrove Matters PH
Jun 22, 20252 min read


Mangrove Matters PH Joins Coalition Call for National Coastal Greenbelt Bill at Press Conference in Quezon City
Quezon City, Philippines (June 13, 2025) – Environmental advocates, youth organizations, fisherfolk representatives, and scientists...
Mangrove Matters PH
Jun 17, 20254 min read


MMPH Founder Awarded in Singapore for Mangrove Conservation Efforts in the Philippines
We are proud to announce that Matthew Vincent Tabilog (Tabby), Founder of Mangrove Matters PH, is one of the 8 recipients in Asia-Pacific...
Mangrove Matters PH
May 30, 20253 min read


Parker Shane Manalaysay Champions Ocean Conservation at High Seas Events in Metro Manila
Metro Manila, Philippines - Our very own Parker Shane Manalaysay, Programs and Events Head of Mangrove Matters PH (MMPH), has been making...
Mangrove Matters PH
May 28, 20254 min read


Redefining Restoration: Ely Cruz on Mangroves, Misinformation, and Environmental Commitment at Samahang Ekolohiya ng UPLB’s Educational Discussion “PUNO: Makina sa Ekolohiya ng Pilipinas”
Los Baños, Laguna - At a university known for producing some of the country’s most passionate environmental advocates, Samahang Ekolohiya...
Mangrove Matters PH
May 11, 20253 min read


Youth Joint Statement of Philippine Reclamation Authority's Move to Relocate Mangroves for the Construction of Reclamation Projects
April 15, 2025 Despite covering less than 1% of the earth’s surface, mangrove forests are considered to be among the most productive...
Mangrove Matters PH
Apr 15, 20253 min read
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