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Philippines

Barangay Rizal

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Conservation benefit: Mangrove forest park (including no-take zone) for 20 years

Community benefit: Multipurpose building

Date Approved: 01.2007

Mangroves

This project protects mangroves, which trap more CO2 than any other kind of forest and as a result, slow global warming.

The barangay (village) of Rizal, with a population of 2,065, is the largest village in the Municipality of Magsaysay, in the remote northeastern part of Cuyo Island. The Andres Soriano Foundation is working with Rizal as part of its Small Island Sustainable Development Program. The Barangay Council has agreed to preserve 247 acres of mangroves, including 185 acres as a no-take zone, for at least 20 years.

The villagers culture an edible seaweed called lato in commercial quantities in the controlled-use zone of the park. They realize, however, that they need to develop other livelihoods that are more environmentally friendly and sustainable. They also want to conduct coastal resource management trainings so they can better manage and protect the park.

In recognition of Barangay Rizal’s commitment to conserving its mangroves, Seacology is funding the construction of a multipurpose building. Community members will use the building for trainings, meetings, and monthly medical consultations.

Project Updates

June 2009

The community continues to effectively manage the community center. Last March, the barangay adopted a resolution that will allow them to charge minimal fees for the use of the facility, to defray electrical and maintenance costs. The mangrove park is being monitored and patrolled regularly by the community-organized Mangrove Forest Guards. The guards are planting mangrove seedlings in less dense areas.

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May 2008

Rizal continues to use the center to hold community meetings for a variety of purposes, from health activities to fishing and farming meetings, to elections of community representatives. The community maintains a constant patrol and surveillance schedule in the mangrove park and has planted 500 mangrove seedlings since the inception of the project. Villagers are starting to see increased live coral and reef fish in the protected area.

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October 2007

The building was entirely completed in July 2007. An opening ceremony took place on August 30, 2007 with Seacology Field Representative Mr. Ferdie Marcelo in attendance as Seacology’s representative.

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June 2007

The project began in February 2007 with a presentation of the plans to the Municipality Mayor. The mayor offered the services of the Municipal Engineer to supervise the construction work. Preplanning sessions were then conducted, and a project management committee was established to represent the Barangay Rizal citizens, the local fisherfolk organization, and the Andres Soriano Foundation. As of May 2007, materials were purchased and the building foundation, walls, and flooring were being constructed. The building is expected to be completed by mid-2007.

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March 2007

Plans for March through April 2007 include forming the community management committee for the mangrove park, purchasing and transporting materials for construction, and preparing the construction site. Construction of the building is scheduled to be completed by September 2007.

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