Roots of Hope, Shields of Strength (Mangrove Planting)

In 2004, the coastal towns of Infanta, Real, and Nakar in Quezon were swallowed by a deluge that will never be forgotten. Torrential rains fell relentlessly, and with the forests stripped bare and coastal defenses weakened, the water had nowhere to go but through homes, fields, and lives. The flood took lives, swept away livelihoods, and left behind not only mud and debris, but also a haunting lesson—when we neglect nature, we invite disaster.

“We are not just planting mangroves. We're planting security, food, and a future for the next generation.”

A Mission Takes Root

It was against the memory of that tragedy that the Rotary Club of Wack Wack set out on a journey—one that began quietly in 2008 under the leadership of then-President Wawie Decampong, together with RCWW Environmental Chair PP Al Vizcocho. What started in Infanta grew year after year, branch by branch, until in 2021, Mayor Joel Diestro of Real, Quezon extended a heartfelt invitation: bring the mangrove mission here, to Brgy. Cawayan.

The 2025 Planting Event

On July 27, 2025, the mission came alive once again. More than a hundred volunteers—Rotarians, community leaders, law enforcers, justice advocates, environmental stewards—made the journey from Manila to the port of Ungos, then by boat to Brgy. Cawayan.

Before planting began, the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office briefed everyone on the science of mangrove planting—how each Rhizophora mucronata must be anchored firmly to withstand tides and time.

By day's end, 6,000 new mangroves stood in neat lines along the shore—young, fragile, but full of promise.

A Convergence of Justice and Service

The event brought together the five pillars of judicial justice:

• Law enforcement

• Prosecution

• Judiciary

• Reformation

• Community

  
  

Participants included:

• Philippine National Police

• National Prosecution Service

• Bureau of Correction

• BJMP

• Parole and Probation Administration

• Court representatives

• Rotary Clubs: RC Wack Wack, RC Mandaluyong, RC Tiger Mandaluyong, Rotaract Club of Pleasant Hills

  
  

Community Leaders Present

• MENRO Head Bryan Potestades

• DENR CENRO Ronaldo

• Barangay Cawayan Chairwoman Rowena F. Escama

• Barangay Ungos Chairman Iñeng Dugayo

• Parole & Probation Administration Rep. Cisco Oliver Maniebo

  
  

Legacy and Impact

Through a Memorandum of Agreement with the Sangguniang Bayan of Real, this 10-hectare stretch of Brgy. Cawayan is now the Rotary International District 3800 Mangrove Sanctuary.

Originally part of a Parole & Probation Administration program, the planting gave individuals a chance to rebuild their lives while restoring the environment.

Over 30,000 mangroves have been planted in Real since 2021. Each seedling is a promise to the next generation.

Mangroves: Nature’s Living Shield

• Wave Breakers – Reduce wave height by up to 65%

• Flood Fighters – Slow and absorb floodwaters

• Fish Nurseries – Provide breeding grounds for marine life

• Carbon Capturers – Store up to 4x more carbon than rainforests

• Erosion Stoppers – Trap sediment and prevent soil loss

  
  

Closing Reflection

As the boats pulled away from Brgy. Cawayan, the horizon seemed a little greener, the waves a little calmer, and the future—if only for a moment—a little safer.

Written by: Rtn. Shirley Panganiban