Tacloban: The Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources' Ecosystems Research and Development Bureau (DENR-ERDB) have entered into agreements to advance aviation and maritime infrastructure development in the Philippines, with a focus on environmental protection. These agreements support President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s directive to balance infrastructure expansion with environmental sustainability.

According to Philippines News Agency, DOTr Undersecretary for Aviation and Airports Jim Sydiongco announced that the two agencies will collaborate on the "Development of Science-based Procedure for Earthballing of Mangroves" project in Leyte. This project involves relocating mangroves impacted by the construction of shore protection and a perimeter road near Daniel Z. Romualdez Airport in Tacloban City. Sydiongco emphasized the importance of relocating mangroves to prevent bird strikes at the airport, highlighting the need for inter-agency cooperation to balance airport capacity with environmental sustainability.

The DOTr and DENR-ERDB will also work together on additional studies concerning the conservation of mangroves and enhancing the operational capacity of the New Cebu International Container Port. DOTr Assistant Secretary for Maritime Villamor Plan stated that the partnership aims to ensure mangroves affected by the construction of the New Cebu International Container Port are relocated to suitable coastal areas.

"This initiative represents a significant step in balancing infrastructure development with environmental protection," Plan noted. "Mangrove earthballing for the New Cebu International Container Port Project highlights our shared responsibility to protect coastal and marine ecosystems while advancing essential infrastructure development."

DENR-ERDB Director Lormelyn Claudio remarked that the agreements embody a whole-of-nation approach to aligning infrastructure development with environmental sustainability. Claudio emphasized the importance of earthballing as a lawful and appropriate procedure, underscoring the need for careful implementation to benefit both the economy and the environment.