Bamboo reforestation project strengthens river protection in Mulanay

By Nimfa L. Estrellado Mayor Aristotle “Kuya Aris” L. Aguirre leads a bamboo planting activity with students and barangay officials along th...

By Nimfa L. Estrellado

Mayor Aristotle “Kuya Aris” L. Aguirre leads a bamboo planting activity with students and barangay officials along the Bulaksina River in Mulanay, Quezon, on December 16, 2025. (Mulanay, Quezon Public Information)

MULANAY, Quezon - A bamboo planting activity took place on December 16, 2025, in Mulanay, Quezon under the local government’s Bamboo Reforestation Project for River Protection. Total of 50 bamboo propagules were planted along the banks of the Bulaksina River to help stabilize the riverbank and reduce soil erosion.

Mayor Aristotle “Kuya Aris” L. Aguirre led the activity, joined by the Sangguniang Barangay of Pakiing headed by Punong Barangay Janeth Lincallo. Beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) and students from Pakiing National High School also took part in the planting.



Pakiing National High School became the fourth school partner of the Local Government Unit of Mulanay under the Bamboo Reforestation Project, now in its third year of implementation during Mayor Aguirre’s administration. In support of the initiative, students also planted fruit-bearing trees to provide added environmental protection and long-term benefits to the area.

The project forms part of Mulanay’s climate change mitigation efforts, which focus on preventing soil erosion and landslides in riverbank communities. Beyond environmental protection, bamboo is also viewed as a practical and sustainable option for long-term river protection.

“Malaking tulong po ito upang maiwasan ang pagbaha, lalo na sa mga tabing-ilog at flood-prone areas, at ipinapakita nito ang sama-samang pagkilos ng paaralan at komunidad para sa kalikasan,” Aguirre said. “Sa patuloy na suporta, ang mga kawayan na itinanim ngayon ay magsisilbing pangmatagalang proteksiyon hindi lamang para sa Mulanay kundi para sa ating kapaligiran.”

Mayor Aguirre noted that bamboo was selected for its strong root system, which helps bind soil and slow water flow during heavy rains. He said the approach supports natural flood mitigation while preserving ecological balance along riverbanks.

“Isa po itong konkretong paraan ng pagtutulungan na may malinaw na benepisyo sa kalikasan at sa kaligtasan ng ating mga komunidad sa mga darating na taon, patuloy po naming isusulong ang ganitong mga programa katuwang ang mga paaralan at mamamayan upang mapalakas ang pangangalaga sa ating mga ilog at kapaligiran.” Mayor Aguirre added.

The municipal government said the program will continue in other river-adjacent areas, with schools and community groups remaining key partners. Officials emphasized that sustained participation and care are essential to ensure the long-term impact of the reforestation effort.