The mangroves of Sta. Rita

With the global thrust towards preserving and cleaning the environment, companies, big and small, are now undertaking sustainable development projects within their areas of operation.

In Batangas, First Gas Power Corp. and FGP Corp. have started a mangrove enhancement and rehabilitation project. The five-hectare mangrove is adjacent to First Gas’ 1,000-megawatt and FGP’s 500-MW plants in barangay Sta. Rita.

"We believe we are the only power plant with a mangrove protection and enhancement project," said First Gas environment officer Ignacito Panzo. "It’s a sight to behold."

Since the project’s implementation two years ago, the mangrove has become a transit point for birds from Siberia migrating to Australia for the winter season. Other birds like the heron have also made the mangrove a regular feeding area.

Ten thousand trees, mostly the wide-rooted bakawan, have been planted. Milkfish or bangus fry thrive. These days, residents earn additional income by selling the milkfish fry to fishpond owners.

The Way It Was

Prior to the First Gas project, Sta. Rita’s mangrove was considered a second-growth forest, growing in mudflats and along riverbanks. There were only three species of plants and trees – the nipa, aroma sp., and pipisik – growing in the area.

The mangrove was home to numerous hermit crabs burrowing under the roots of coastal vegetation. Mud skippers and small snails were observed along riverbanks

With the help of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, First Gas has mapped out a plan that would not only protect and enhance the mangrove but would also establish a seed production area for the area.

Running parallel to the mangrove project is the greening of 55,570 square meters of surrounding area. Over the next two years, 2,600 fruit and non-fruit bearing trees will be added to the 500 mahogany trees that have been planted along the access road to the power plants.

"The success of these two projects depend on the clean operations of the power plants," said Panzo. "Only a clean environment will ensure the growth of the trees and mangrove. These, in turn, become the feeding grounds for birds and fishes."

The two Sta. Rita power plants use natural gas, which results in minimum emissions that are harmful to the environment. As such, there is no big obstacle in making Sta.. Rita greener (because of the trees) and bluer (because of the cleaner water).