District Engineer Irwin L. Antonio said the activity was conducted at the site of the tourism access road project leading to Subing-Subing Hills. He explained that with the presence of mangroves at the project perimeter, the species might be indirectly affected by the project implementation, prompting the district office, in coordination with the Barangay Balacson officials, Local Government Unit of Kawayan and personnel from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to undertake the mangrove growing activity in compliance with the DENR regulations.
OIC-Assistant District Engineer Mark Jan V. Garde emphasized that DPWH remains committed to protecting the environment while implementing infrastructure projects.
“We are not just implementing infrastructure projects—we also ensure that the environment is protected. We are happy to contribute to environmental conservation through activities like this,” Garde said.
Antonio also assured that the district office will continue monitoring the planted mangroves to ensure their survival.
“We will definitely return to monitor the mangroves we planted because our responsibility does not end with planting,” Antonio said.
The district engineer also thanked the officials of Barangay Balacson, Municipal Government of Kawayan, and DENR personnel for their support in the successful conduct of the activity.
