Mangrove Hunt

The province of Bataan in Central Luzon, Philippines is known for its coastal towns and beaches. It is also the home to the largest white elephant structure of the Philippine government – the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant.

But unknown to many this province has also abundant mangroves that can be found in the village of Mabatang in Abucay, Bataan. Lush greens along the river leading to the Bataan Bay. Hundreds of mangroves provide habitat to marine life like crabs, shrimps, and fish.

Nature lovers and environmentalists will surely love this place not only for the relaxing green but also because of the people’s hospitality.

Several groups in the Philippines such as the Advocacy for the Development of Central Luzon (ADCL) are working hard on promoting the propagation of mangroves to increase marine life and provide livelihood to local folk.

The mangrove forest resources of the Philippines have significantly deteriorated in the last 50 years. DENR reports that the country has now less than 120,000 hectares of mangroves remaining and much of that is only secondary growth. The Environment Department blames expansion of aquaculture ponds and conversion to urban land reclamation for the rapid mangrove loss. DENR fears that if this trend continues, there will be no more mangrove left in our country in the next 50 years.

In Mabatang, the residents themselves created a cooperative and took the initiative to plant and propagate mangroves. Their environmental awareness, unity and cooperation made their place a worthwhile destination in Central Luzon. For inquiries on Mabatang, please call ADCL at 888-4363 and look fro Rona Menos.