Tagkawayan hosts international green volunteers environmental program

By Rowena T. Cruz International volunteers and local partners conduct mangrove planting in a coastal area of Barangay Katimo, Tagkawayan, Qu...

By Rowena T. Cruz

International volunteers and local partners conduct mangrove planting in a coastal area of Barangay Katimo, Tagkawayan, Quezon, to support coastal protection and environmental awareness. (Tagkawayan Teleradyo)

TAGKAWAYAN, Quezon — It was a busy day in the coastal town of Tagkawayan as the local government hosted the 22nd Tokyo Marine & Nichido Green Volunteers Program, welcoming international volunteers for hands-on environmental activities. Activities focused on mangrove planting, coastal visits, and learning sessions to help protect coastal areas.

Local officials, students, and community members joined volunteers from Japan, the United States, the United Kingdom, and China. Activities included mangrove planting in Barangay Katimo, visits to coastal areas in Barangay Laurel, and a Green Session with students from Katimo Elementary School and Katimo National High School.



The delegation was led by Mr. Kitazawa Kenichi, Vice President of Tokio Marine & Nichido, along with Ms. Hayashi Kumiko of OISCA. Representatives from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources–Quezon Province, CENRO Calauag, barangay officials, and fisherfolk groups also took part.

The Green Volunteers Program is part of a continuing effort by Tokio Marine & Nichido and OISCA to support mangrove protection and climate awareness in coastal communities. OISCA has worked with Philippine communities for many years on environmental and youth programs.

Mayor Luis Oscar Eleazar said the visit showed how important mangroves are in protecting the town’s coastal barangays from climate-related risks while supporting local livelihoods. He added that the partnership helps strengthen community participation in environmental protection.

“Malaki ang papel ng bakawan sa pagbibigay-proteksyon sa ating mga baybaying barangay laban sa epekto ng klima at sa pagpapanatili ng kabuhayan ng ating mga mangingisda,” ani Eleazar. “Sa pamamagitan ng ganitong mga programa, mas napapalalim ang kamalayan ng komunidad, lalo na ng kabataan, sa pangangalaga ng ating likas na yaman.”

The event ended with exchanges between volunteers and residents that highlighted shared efforts to care for coastal resources. Similar initiatives are expected to continue as part of the municipality’s climate and environmental programs.