Mangrove conservation in Eastern Visayas gets a boost as Sun Life Financial-Philippines Foundation, Inc. (Sun Life Foundation) and ABS-CBN Lingkod Kapamilya Foundation, Inc. (ABS-CBN Foundation) launch the Integrated Mangrove Citizen Science and Sustainable Livelihood Initiative.

Mangroves are vital ecosystems that act as carbon sinks, fish nurseries, livelihood sources, and natural breakwaters, yet they are rapidly disappearing. The project, made possible by funding from global financial services company Sun Life Canada, aims to improve mangrove conservation by supporting community-based social enterprises and equipping locals with tools and techniques for enhanced mangrove management.

“Protecting mangroves is more important than ever given their role in mitigating the impacts of climate change,” says Kristine Dianne Millete, Executive Director of the Sun Life Foundation. “We hope that this project will empower communities to actively care for mangroves while sustainably reaping the benefits these ecosystems provide.”

Meanwhile, Roberta Lopez-Feliciano, Managing Director of ABS-CBN Foundation, highlighted the importance of collaboration in this pursuit. “The project would not happen if we didn’t have the right partner and the right people in place. Having partners on the ground supporting the initiative is crucial.”

The project involves collaboration with three community organizations from three sites: the San Juan by the Bay Service Cooperative (SJBSC) in Brgy. San Juan, Sta. Rita, Samar; the Barobaybay Mangrove and Marine Conservationist Association (BMMCA) in Brgy. Barobaybay, Calbiga, Samar; and the Naga, Rawis, Villa Corro, Looc Mangrove and Fisherfolk Association (NARAVIL MFA), Inc. in Brgy. Looc in Cabucgayan, Biliran.

As the philanthropic arm of life insurer Sun Life Philippines, the Sun Life Foundation supports holistic initiatives that promote health, education, and environmental sustainability.