Natural disaster deterrent: House panel OKs bill to preserve mangrove forests

The House Committee on Natural Resources has approved the proposed National Mangrove Forest Protection and Preservation bill.

Agusan del Norte Rep. Lawrence Fortun, author of the measure underscored the importance of mangroves that serve as an effective disaster risk reduction tool that protects lands from inundation and erosion.

“Mahalaga ang mga bakawan dahil nagsisilbi itong tahanan ng mga di mabilang na species ng mga hayop at halaman. Nagbibigay rin ito ng kabuhayan sa mga Pinoy dahil napagkukunan ito ng pagkain at raw materials,” Fortun said.

In a 2017 World Bank study, it noted that the mangroves lost between 1950 and 2010 have resulted in flooding to more than 267,000 people every year based on the Philippines’ current population.

Philippines was home to an estimated mangrove forest cover of more than half-a-million hectares. But as early as year 2000, forest cover diminished by 250,000 hectares, an extremely alarming decline.

Once the measure is enacted into law, clear and definite policies and mechanisms in the protection and restoration of our country’s mangroves shall be in effect.

Fortun expressed hope that the Senate and the House of Representatives will approve the measure before the adjournment of the 18th Congress next year.

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Source: Latest Politics News Today (Politics.com.ph)