By Nimfa L. Estrellado Mayor Carlo Eleazar and TUP-Taguig Campus Director Dr. Rexmelle F. Decapia Jr., and other officials witness the cerem...
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| Mayor Carlo Eleazar and TUP-Taguig Campus Director Dr. Rexmelle F. Decapia Jr., and other officials witness the ceremonial signing of the mangrove revival partnership. (Tagkawayan LGU) |
TAGKAWAYAN, Quezon —As Tagkawayan’s mangroves face threats from development, storms, and rising seas, TUP-Taguig and the Local Government Unit of Tagkawayan, Quezon, have launched a mangrove restoration project. This partnership aims to rebuild coastal forests, protect wildlife, monitor water quality, and provide sustainable livelihoods while strengthening resilience against future climate impacts.
Tagkawayan is home to over 1,200 hectares of mangroves, including species like nipa, talisay, and balabago. The project also explores eco-tourism around the Kitay Mangrove Forest, linking conservation with local economic development.
It will provide hands-on training, technical support, and research guidance for local conservation efforts. The LGU will coordinate with residents to implement mangrove planting, water monitoring, and other activities while creating new income sources from sustainable fishing, eco-tourism, and community-based projects.
Mayor Carlo Eleazar of Tagkawayan led the LGU delegation to the signing, joined by key officials including Mabel Rosana (MENRO), Engr. Francis Villanueva (MPDC), and Municipal Agriculturist Juanito Panganiban. TUP-Taguig was represented by Campus Director Dr. Rexmelle F. Decapia Jr., Project Leader Prof. Christopher B. Parmis, and several faculty and staff.
In his address, Mayor Eleazar expressed gratitude to TUP-Taguig for the opportunity to collaborate and support the community. He highlighted how the project combines science, research, and local knowledge to benefit both people and the environment.
“We are thankful to the Technological University of the Philippines–Taguig for this opportunity. With your support, we can further develop not only Tagkawayan but also contribute to nationwide efforts in science-based environmental conservation. This project will provide livelihood opportunities for our citizens while ensuring the long-term protection of our natural resources,” Mayor Eleazar said.
The mayor stressed that the partnership goes beyond technical support, offering residents practical tools, skills, and knowledge to actively manage their coastal areas. He said it will help people protect mangroves, improve fisheries, and prepare younger generations to continue conservation work.
“Through this partnership, our community will gain both the knowledge and the tools to sustainably manage our coastal resources,” Mayor Eleazar added. “We are committed to working closely with TUP-Taguig and our residents to ensure that these initiatives benefit everyone, from local fishers to the next generation of students.”
Dr. Decapia highlighted TUP-Taguig’s commitment to translating research into tangible community and environmental benefits. He said the university wants scientific findings applied to real-world projects that improve ecosystems and residents’ livelihoods.
“Our goal is to bridge the gap between research and community action,” Dr. Decapia said. “By working closely with Tagkawayan residents, we can turn data and studies into practical solutions that protect the environment and support sustainable livelihoods.”
He emphasized that effective conservation requires more than data alone; it demands active engagement with the community. Close collaboration with local residents ensures that scientific findings are translated into real-world strategies that address both environmental challenges and livelihood needs.
“We believe that collaboration is key,” Dr. Decapia continued. “This partnership allows our faculty, students, and local stakeholders to work hand in hand, ensuring that the benefits of our research are felt not just in classrooms and labs, but directly in the communities that need it most.”
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