The Victorias City Environment and Natural Resources Office, in partnership with the Victorias Milling Company Foundation Inc., launched the “Grow a Forest and Adopt a Mangrove” program by planting 1,000 mangrove seedlings along the coastline in Barangay I June 16.
The VMC Foundation serves as the program’s first partner and primary implementer, working alongside the local government unit and the Barangay I community.
Under the partnership, VMC will allot funds to maintain one hectare of mangrove area for three years, per an ordinance.
The initiative aims to strengthen coastal protection by mitigating the effects of storm surges and coastal erosion, the city said.
The mangrove planting activity gathered corporate representatives, civic organizations, and members of the education sector.
Representatives from the Victorias Milling Company included program director, Ma. Cecilia Arceo, chief operations officer Atty. Eva Rodriguez, and pollution control officer Engr. Leonel Castillo, along with employees.
Volunteers from the Special Action Force Ride Philippines, led by executive director Gary Intig, Bantay Katunggan members, and VCENRO program-based workers also joined the event, along with Sidlak Kadalag-an 2026 queens.
Barangay I National High School principal Racky Alayon led teachers and students in participating in the activity as part of their environmental education efforts.
The program forms part of Victorias’ climate adaptation and environmental protection efforts to preserve coastal and marine ecosystems, the city said. ||
