Mangrove Matters PH Joins Coalition Call for National Coastal Greenbelt Bill at Press Conference in Quezon City
- Mangrove Matters PH
- Jun 17, 2025
- 4 min read
Updated: Jun 23, 2025
Quezon City, Philippines (June 13, 2025) – Environmental advocates, youth organizations, fisherfolk representatives, and scientists joined forces today in a press conference calling on President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. to certify the National Coastal Greenbelt Bill as urgent legislation. The event marked the handover of letters collected through the "Dear Mr. President" campaign, which seeks to protect and restore the Philippines' critical mangrove and beach forests.
Mangroves: A Lifeline for Coastal Communities
Pablo "Ka Pabs" Rosales, President of PANGISDA Philippines, emphasized the crucial role mangroves play in protecting fisherfolk and coastal communities. "Tamang panahon na para sa batas na maging RA - Iyong kakaunting bakawan na natitira, sana protektahan pa at paramihin para sa mga mangingisda at mga komunidad," Rosales stated, highlighting how mangroves have saved coastal communities during storm surges and typhoons while providing additional income and food security when fishing yields are low.
Rosales warned of mounting threats to mangrove ecosystems, including reclamation projects and seabed quarrying, emphasizing that the proposed bill could prevent these threats from expanding to other coastal communities.
Youth Leading the Charge for Environmental Action
Leo Anthony Castro, Executive Director of Mangrove Matters PH, presented the "Dear Mr. President" campaign as part of the broader "Ugat ng Kinabukasan" initiative—a united youth effort to conserve mangroves and build resilience against the climate crisis.
"Ang involvement ng youth sa activities na ganito, crucial kasi isa rin tayo sa vulnerable sectors," Castro explained. He emphasized that the bill is gender-sensitive, pro-poor, and pro-children, making it crucial for mitigating adverse climate change effects.
Castro stressed the urgency of environmental legislation: "Ang dami ng pinupush nating legislation for other societal problems pero magiging useless silang lahat kapag ending wala na tayong livable planet that can sustain us."
The campaign gained momentum following the National Mangrove Youth Summit held in March 2025, which convened young advocates focused on mangrove conservation across the Philippines.
Science-Based Solutions for Coastal Protection
Genea Nichole Cortez, a mangrove scientist and faculty member at the University of Santo Tomas, provided scientific context for the legislation's importance by outlining three critical functions of mangroves: safeguarding coasts through dense root systems that absorb wave energy during storms, serving as vital nurseries for marine life crucial to fisheries and food security, and acting as living dykes and efficient carbon sinks for climate adaptation and mitigation.
She emphasized that mangroves serve three critical functions: "Nagbibigay ng buhay, nagpapalawig ng buhay, at nagproprotekta ng buhay" – they give life, extend life, and protect life. As vital nurseries for marine life, mangroves support fisheries and provide food security for coastal communities while acting as highly efficient carbon sinks for climate mitigation.
"Nananawagan tayo sa science-based solutions for our problems. Hindi yung stop-gap solutions para makapagtanim lang," Cortez stated, calling for proper ecosystem restoration rather than temporary fixes.
Implementing Evidence-Based Coastal Management
Kisha Muaña, Policy and Advocacy Officer of Wetlands International Philippines, highlighted the organization's work in establishing science-based local coastal greenbelt zones. She noted that while mangrove planting efforts are widespread, many lack proper scientific guidance.
"Hindi bago ang concept ng coastal greenbelts. Mangroves have enough attraction and traction - many are involved and active in this advocacy. Marami nang nagtatanim. Pero kulang doon, science," Muaña explained, citing examples of incorrect planting practices such as placing mangroves in seagrass beds or mudflats.
Muaña reported that 20 local government units now have ordinances and policy tools aligned with mangrove restoration, demonstrating growing support at the grassroots level. She emphasized the collaborative approach with fisherfolk, who serve as key partners in data collection and understand the value of mangroves firsthand.
Key Features of the National Coastal Greenbelt Bill
Mae Chatto, Campaign Specialist for Oceana's Restore Mangroves Campaign, outlined the salient features of the proposed legislation. "The bill mandates the establishment of at least 100-meter-wide coastal greenbelts extending from mangroves toward land, designed to absorb wave energy and protect communities from storm surges and coastal erosion," Chatto explained.
Key provisions include the creation of a National Coastal Greenbelt Action Plan within 12 months, prioritizing vulnerable coastal areas for protection. The bill also mandates the reversion of abandoned fishponds to mangroves and removal of illegal coastal structures.
"The legislation establishes a National Coordinating Council led by DENR to oversee implementation, with significant penalties for violations—fines ranging from P50,000 to P5 million depending on the offense," Chatto noted. The bill ensures that coastal LGUs are poised to act as the frontline agencies to formulate, implement, and monitor Local Coastal Greenbelt Action Plans, with annual congressional reporting on progress required.
Call for Presidential Action
The coalition urged President Marcos to certify the National Coastal Greenbelt Bill as urgent, emphasizing that the legislation would protect and restore Philippine mangroves and beach forests, including pagatpat, bakaw, miyapi, nipa, and talisay trees.
The advocates stressed that while establishing coastal greenbelts is a long-term process requiring extensive planning, data collection, and community engagement, the scientific foundation and community support are already in place to move forward with comprehensive mangrove protection legislation.
Kudos to the team for all the efforts in raising this cause 👏🏻