On a bright morning in Dumangas, something more than just trees took root in the coastal soil of Dacutan. As part of the NGO-PO Week activities, the shoreline became a classroom and a sanctuary, where 77 eager hearts from 11 different Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and People’s Organizations (POs) gathered with a singular purpose: to heal and protect our shared home.

Hosted by the Provincial Government in meaningful collaboration with the Zoological Society of London (ZSL)-Philippines, the activity was not merely about planting; it was about understanding the deep connection between the land, the sea, and the people who stand as stewards between them.

Wisdom of the Waves: Understanding the “Why”

Before a single seedling touched the mud, the day began with grounding wisdom. Participants weren’t just handed shovels; they were given an orientation on the vital necessity of mangroves, particularly along the sea front.

The lesson was clear: Mangroves are not just plants; they are guardians. They are the first line of defense against the changing tides and the nursery for the ocean’s abundance. The group learned that planting isn’t random—it requires “listening” to the environment to know when and where the earth is ready to receive new life.

Right Tree, Right Place: The Science of Survival

The team from the Zoological Society of London shared a crucial insight that mirrors life itself: resilience comes from being in the right environment.

They walked the participants through the specific criteria for selecting a planting area and the importance of matching the species to the site. On this day, the chosen hero was the Sonneratia alba—locally known as Pagatpat. 300 of these resilient mangroves were carefully planted, chosen specifically for their ability to thrive in the Dacutan environment. It was a powerful reminder that for anything to grow, it must be rooted where it belongs.

More Than Just Planting: A Community Harvest

The planting itself was a flurry of shared effort, muddy hands, and hopeful spirits. But the event didn’t end when the last Pagatpat was secured in the soil.

The morning concluded with a celebration of the community built during those hours. A photo shoot captured the smiles of the 77 participants—a visual testament to unity. Food was shared, nourishing the bodies that had just worked to nourish the earth.

A Legacy of Green Guardians

This mangrove planting activity was a ripple that will extend far beyond a single morning. As the 300 Pagatpat trees grow, they will stand as living monuments to the collaboration between the government, ZSL, and the NGOs and POs of Dumangas.

In Dacutan, the seeds have been sown. Not just in the mud, but in the consciousness of every volunteer who learned that to plant a mangrove is to plant a promise of protection for the future.