Balanga:Fish harvests in Balanga City have doubled, and nearby communities are now free from floods and protected against strong waves and storm surges due to the restoration of mangrove forests along the city's coastlines.

According to Philippines News Agency, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) reported that for years, communities and fishing families in this coastal Bataan town faced regular threats from floodwaters, especially during high tide. The decline in fish catch was attributed to the degradation of mangrove forests, which resulted in the loss of coastal vegetation.

Residents like Jaime Buenaventura, chair of the City Fishery and Aquatic Resources Management Council, recalled the challenges faced when mangroves were cut down in the area, making high tides problematic, particularly with strong winds. The restoration of mangroves has now provided natural buffers, reducing wave impact and slowing floodwaters before they reach homes and fishponds.

Fisher Benjie Manuel noted that the mangroves have protected the area from strong waves during recent typhoons and reported a more than doubling of income due to improved yields. Additionally, the restored area has attracted visitors, creating opportunities for tourism and local enterprises.

The DENR has supported the conservation and restoration efforts with technical assistance, capacity-building activities, regular monitoring, and the deployment of river rangers to protect coastal resources. Trash traps and waste interception systems have been installed to prevent garbage from reaching mangrove forests.

Local fishers and volunteers have contributed by planting and nurturing mangroves, providing protection for both livelihoods and homes. Environment Secretary Juan Miguel Cuna emphasized the importance of protecting natural ecosystems as part of the country's climate change response. He highlighted the initiative as supporting President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s directive to revise the country's flood control master plan to address more intense storms and heavier rainfall.

Cuna underscored that Balanga's experience demonstrates how mangrove restoration can bolster local fisheries while offering coastal communities a natural defense against climate-related hazards.