In wake of Yolanda, telco to plant more mangroves

Smart employee-volunteers plant mangroves in one of the coastal communities in Cebu. (contributed)

The devastation wrought by typhoon Yolanda to lives and properties in affected areas highlighted the need for appropriate environmental strategies that will mitigate the impact of disasters to communities.

The supertyphoon was the latest in a string of disasters that were made worse by changing global weather patterns.

Smart Communications Inc., an advocate for disaster preparedness and environment conservation, has committed to implement measures that will help reduce the effects of climate change. But for these measures to be effective, they must suit the geographical needs of the community at risk.

For instance, coastal communities in the Visayas that were hard-hit by Yolanda will be prioritized for mangrove planting this year.

Mangroves serve as a natural protective barrier against storm surges, tidal waves and coastal flooding.

“We need to prepare for the next disaster and one way of doing this is by using environment strategies to help mitigate the impact of climate change. Our strategy will be to come up with interventions needed by the community at risk during disasters,” said Smart Public Affairs head Ramon Isberto.

So far, the telco has identified Iloilo, Capiz and Tacloban as priority areas for mangrove propagation. These were the areas devastated by Yolanda. Bohol, which bore the brunt of the 7.2-magnitude earthquake, has also been chosen as a priority site for mangrove planting.

Smart is already in touch with partner local government units and institutions to help in the implementation of  this initiative around the middle of this year.