Negros Power Supports World Ocean Day Mangrove Planting in Bago City
Negros Power participated in a large-scale mangrove planting and coastal cleanup in Bago City for World Ocean Day, demonstrating its commitment to protecting the environment and supporting coastal communities and marine life.
The City Environment Management Office held the event on June 9, 2025, at Purok Calubay in Barangay Sampinit, Bago City. About 200 people from the government, private groups, community organizations, and volunteers joined the activity.
Participants planted 5,000 mangrove propagules and cleaned up waste from the shoreline. Their teamwork demonstrated how working together can bring lasting environmental benefits.
Negros Power Joins Coastal Conservation Efforts
Negros Power employees joined volunteers and other groups during the World Ocean Day event. Their participation showed the company’s commitment to supporting communities beyond electricity service.
Volunteers planted thousands of young mangroves along the coast of Barangay Sampinit. As these mangroves grow, they will help protect the shoreline, support marine life, and make nearby communities safer from environmental risks.
The group planted several types of mangroves, such as Bakhaw Bato (Rhizophora stylosa), Bakhaw Babayi (Rhizophora mucronata), Bungalon (Avicennia rumphiana), and Grey Mangrove (Avicennia marina).
Each type of mangrove helps keep the coastal ecosystem healthy. Planting different species also supports biodiversity and helps the area adapt to changing conditions.
Why Mangrove Planting Matters to Coastal Communities
Mangrove forests act as natural barriers, protecting coasts from erosion, big waves, and storm surges. Their roots hold the soil together and lessen the effects of water along the shore.
In places like Barangay Sampinit, healthy mangroves provide added protection during storms. They also help fight climate change by storing carbon from the air.
Mangroves are also important for marine life. Their roots offer shelter, food, and breeding spots for fish, crabs, shellfish, and other sea creatures.
Healthy mangrove areas support local fishing communities and help maintain a balanced coastal environment. Planting 5,000 mangroves in Bago City is an important step for the community’s future and its natural resources.
Volunteers Conduct Coastal Cleanup in Barangay Sampinit
In addition to planting mangroves, participants conducted a coastal cleanup along the shoreline. Volunteers collected waste that could harm marine animals, pollute the water, and damage sensitive coastal habitats.
Coastal waste remains a serious concern because discarded plastics and other materials can travel into the ocean. Marine animals may mistake plastic waste for food or become trapped in it.
Cleanup drives help address visible pollution, but they also encourage people to reflect on their daily habits. Simple actions such as reducing plastic use, disposing of waste properly, and joining community cleanups can make a difference when practiced consistently.
The Bago City activity gave participants an opportunity to take direct action while encouraging other residents to become more responsible stewards of the environment.
Ikaw Ang Una Campaign Promotes Sustainability
Negros Power joined the mangrove planting and coastal cleanup as part of its “Ikaw Ang Una” campaign. The campaign puts people and communities first through programs that support safety, sustainability, and social responsibility.
Through this campaign, the company supports initiatives that address community needs and create benefits beyond the power distribution sector. Environmental activities are among the programs that reflect its broader commitment to community development.
Unice Castillon, Community Relations Assistant Manager of Negros Power, explained that environmental conservation aligns with the company’s goal of serving communities beyond reliable electricity service.
She shared that protecting the environment requires cooperation from companies, government offices, organizations, and residents. Mangrove planting and coastal cleanup activities give people a practical way to preserve coastal resources while encouraging others to join in.
Castillon also expressed gratitude for the opportunity to support the World Ocean Day celebration and to contribute to efforts that promote a greener, more sustainable future.
Community Partnerships Create Lasting Results
The event in Barangay Sampinit showed what people can achieve by working together. Nearly 200 participants gave their time and effort to plant mangroves and clean the coast, demonstrating the value of collective action.
Planting 5,000 mangroves is a significant achievement, but long-term success depends on ongoing care and monitoring. Young mangroves need the right environment and protection to grow into healthy forests.
Community awareness is key to preventing waste from returning to the shore. Regular cleanups, proper waste management, and environmental education can help sustain the progress made at the event.
Negros Power Strengthens Its Environmental Commitment
By joining the World Ocean Day mangrove planting and cleanup in Bago City, Negros Power showed its ongoing commitment to caring for the environment and supporting community growth. Its participation connected this event with its wider community role.
The company’s participation showed how businesses can support environmental protection through meaningful partnerships and volunteer activities. It also reflected the values of the “Ikaw Ang Una” campaign by placing communities and the environment at the center of its programs.
The 5,000 mangroves planted in Barangay Sampinit may be small now, but they can grow into a thriving coastal forest. As they mature, they will help protect the shoreline, provide habitats for marine life, and strengthen the environment for future generations.
Events like this show that caring for the ocean starts with what we do on land. By working together, making good choices, and staying involved, people in Bago City and Negros Occidental can help keep their coasts healthy, safe, and sustainable.