On August 7, 2025, another significant milestone for environmental protection and climate resilience was marked at the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Central Office as key stakeholders convened for the Tubo-Tubo Island Mangrove Conservation Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signing ceremony.

Under the banner of DENR’s Project TRANSFORM and the Provincial Government of Bataan’s Baka1Bataan, the aforesaid MOA formalized the expansion of AboitizPower’s adopted mangrove area in Sitio Tubo-Tubo from 10 to 20 hectares.

This initiative underscores the shared commitment of the public and private sectors to enhance environmental sustainability while empowering local communities in Bataan, and highlights the importance of collaborative partnerships in producing long-term solutions for climate adaptation and inclusive development.

More than a signing ceremony, the event also served to highlight the vital role of mangrove ecosystems in protecting coastal areas from natural disasters, supporting biodiversity, and sustaining local livelihoods.

In her speech, Cong. Maria Angela S. Garcia said, “In Bataan, we are scaling up programs that protect our natural resources with and through our communities. From mangrove rehabilitation and marine sanctuaries to our province-wide blue carbon initiatives, we are aligning local action with our climate goals.”

Also present at the event were DENR Undersecretary Marilou Erni, DENR Secretary Raphael P.M. Flotilla, AboitizPower Transition Business Group President and COO Celso Caballero III, Orani Mayor Antonio Arizona, and Tubo-Tubo Fisherfolk Association chairman and members.

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