29 March 2025, Bulacan. In a powerful display of corporate responsibility and environmental stewardship, Maybank Philippines, Inc. (MPI), in collaboration with two local fisherfolks associations – Samahan ng Kapisanan ng mga Mangingisda ng Malolos (SKMM) and Hagonoy Fish Farmers Producer Cooperative (HFFPC), “Bantay Dagat” (Guardians of the Sea)* of Malolos, and FEED Living Legacy volunteer group “One Child, One Tree” headed by FEED Ambassador Natalia “Nats” Sali (Founder of OCOT), successfully completed a Mangrove Planting.

The event brought together 40 enthusiastic participants, including Maybank employees, local stakeholders, and community members, all dedicated to enhancing coastal protection and biodiversity for climate resilience.

Several Maybank ecowarriors shared their experiences:

• “It was an amazing experience. Will definitely recommend to other companies.”
• “I wish that there more similar activities in the future so more Maybankers can join.”
• “It is fulfilling to see that more MPI employees with representation from different sector are getting involved in this kind environmental conservation activity showing their commitment to be a force for good.”
• “Let’s do it again!”
• “Hope we can encourage more Tigers to Participate so we can plant more in the Future!”

Thank you Maybank for appreciating our frontliner local fisherfolk communities, Bulacan’s ever-active One Child One Tree and to Maybank for enabling this experience, may the Forrest be with you always!

1	Figueroa, Jose Luis S.	17	Ravino, Diana D.
2	Benedicto Llaneta Jr D	18	Cruz, Maria Carlota J.
3	Doydoy, Rowena O.	19	Banzon, Michael D.
4	Soliman, Ma. Avegail S.	20	Manlangit, Mariel L.
5	Belmes, John Lee B.	21	Afable, Ruby Charo H.
6	Limson, Mark Lord D	22	Angel, Wilson S.
7	Ortega, Rameses L.	23	Plata, Janice Z.
8	Chua, Mina Grace C.	24	Realuyo, Israel R.
9	Sarmiento, Anthony G.	25	Severo, Ma. Jowina C.
10	Medel, Jillian-ed D.	26	De Ramos, Celeste C.
11	Racelis, Robert C.	27	Carcabuso, Victor B.
12	Maslog, Diosdado D.	28	Yona, Gretchen P.
13	Retulin, Virgilio Jr. Q	29	Miranda, Cyren Joy B.
14	Mendoza, Jonalyn M.	30	Romero, Kristine T.
15	Castro, Edelyn H.	31	Davin Lee Yen Jien

 

*”Bantay Dagat” translates directly to “sea watch” or “guard of the sea” in English. It is a Filipino term referring to a community-based volunteer group that helps protect coastal areas and marine resources, often by enforcing fishing laws and deterring illegal activities.

19th Congress
Senate Bill No. 2464
BANTAY DAGAT WELFARE AND INCENTIVES ACT
Filed on October 10, 2023 by Estrada, Jinggoy E.
Overview | Committee Referral | Leg. History | All Information
Download PDF icon
SBN-2464 (as filed)
10/12/2023 120.3KB
Long title

AN ACT GRANTING BENEFITS AND INCENTIVES TO ACCREDITED BANTAY DAGAT AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

Source: https://legacy.senate.gov.ph/

The group planted 650 mangroves along the coastal areas of Bulacan, helping to restore and safeguard vital coastal ecosystems that serve as natural barriers against storm surges, floods, and erosion.

This action forms part of Maybank’s ongoing commitment to environmental sustainability and community empowerment, aligning with the bank’s broader vision of fostering long-term positive change for both people and the planet.

A Collaborative Effort for Sustainability

The partnership between Maybank and FEED, the local fishing organizations, and One Child, One Tree was central to the success of this initiative. By collaborating with those who directly depend on the health of the coastal ecosystem, the project emphasizes the importance of sustainable resource management and community engagement. Local fisherfolks, many of whom rely on healthy mangrove forests for their livelihoods, actively participated in the planting efforts, ensuring that the initiative was not only environmental but also socioeconomically beneficial

“Mangroves are incredibly important for coastal communities as they act as natural protectors against extreme weather events. By working together with the local cooperative, we aim to empower the community to be stewards of their own environment while simultaneously contributing to the restoration of one of the Philippines’ most vital ecosystems,” said [Spokesperson Name], Maybank Philippines’ Corporate Responsibility Head.

Sustainable outcomes for the people and the environment

The activity had short-term benefits including creation of jobs which benefitted approximately a hundred people who are members of the SKMM, as they benefitted from the sale of mangrove seedlings. Five (5) Bantay Dagat members were also provided with some amount for their help in preparing the site for planting and digging the soil during the planting itself, benefitting approximately 25 family members.

Mangrove Reforestation is a long-term program, and the benefits are likely to happen after a few years. We envisage that it will have economic and social impact to the community, not to mention its impact on mitigating climate change, including the following:

• Economic – The planting of mangroves has long-term economic benefits. When the mangroves grow and become habitat for fish, the project will directly benefit approximately 200 families in Malolos who rely on fishing for their livelihood. Additionally, FEED and partners always source from local community backyard nurseries, People’s Organisations, Fisherfolk/Farming Associations or Cooperatives, even informal groups who have proven their willingness and volumes to plant more of the right species, at the right time and place – this criteria for qualification as a community partner is often the most difficult one to secure due to lack of resources, leadership and community mobilisation.
• Biodiversity/habitat – These mangroves serve as an important habitat for marine species and act as breeding grounds and nurseries. According to the study made by IBON Foundation (2010), a hectare of mangroves can provide up to 800 kilos of fish in a year. For this project, we planted 0.94 hectare and anticipate 700 kilos of marine species breeding in the site.
• Social community impact – We have achieved increased awareness of community residents on the value of mangroves to the ecosystem and their livelihood through our interaction with the community residents and promotion in social media. This has already led to private individuals offering support by way of sponsoring planting events and volunteering. We believe that the awareness of the stakeholders on the value of mangroves and the detrimental effects of its loss on the coastal environment, and on the emerging environmental issues will enhance their appreciation on the need for self-management interventions for mangroves. The project has signified the seriousness of our intention for community-based reforestation of our mangrove forests which has captured public interest including that of Hagonoy local government and Bulacan Provincial government, members of fish and farmers cooperatives, community residents, local businesses, and youth groups.

The Importance of Mangroves for Coastal Ecosystems

Mangroves play a crucial role in maintaining the health of coastal ecosystems. They provide shelter and food for marine life, serve as natural carbon sinks, and act as buffers against the impacts of climate change, such as rising sea levels and stronger typhoons. In the Philippines, a country highly vulnerable to natural disasters, protecting and restoring mangrove forests is vital to securing the livelihoods of coastal communities.

As part of Maybank’s sustainability efforts, the bank continues to champion initiatives that drive environmental impact, promote biodiversity, and foster community-driven conservation programs.

“We’re proud to see how this initiative not only helped restore the mangrove forest in Bulacan, but also brought together a diverse group of individuals with a shared goal of protecting our natural environment for future generations,” said FEED Ambassador Natalia Sali (Founder of “One Child, One Tree” volunteers’ group). “It’s heartening to see our local community take part in something so meaningful, knowing the significant role mangroves play in safeguarding our homes and livelihoods.”

Looking Ahead

The Maybank mangrove planting initiative is part of a larger, ongoing sustainability commitment by Maybank Philippines to support local communities and environmental conservation. The bank aims to continue working with local communities and environmental organizations to address urgent issues such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and environmental degradation.

Through programs like this, Maybank hopes to inspire others to act in safeguarding the environment and supporting sustainable practices that benefit both people and the planet.

About Maybank Philippines

Maybank is one of Southeast Asia’s largest banking groups, committed to responsible banking and corporate social responsibility. With a focus on community empowerment, environmental sustainability, and social impact, Maybank actively supports initiatives that contribute to the well-being of society and the planet. In the Philippines, Maybank is dedicated to driving sustainable growth and fostering positive change through various corporate responsibility initiatives.

Maybank Philippines, Inc. (MPI) is a full-service commercial bank, serving retail, commercial, and corporate clients.

MPI offers an array of financial services and products that include lending (personal loans, commercial loans, corporate loans), deposit-taking, electronic banking, credit card, cash management services, wealth management, remittances, trust and fiduciary accounts, and treasury products and services. Maybank is also the first private commercial bank in the Philippines to offer Shariah-compliant products, with the launch of its Zamboanga Islamic Banking Unit in August 2024.

With more than 25 years of operational experience in the Philippines, the bank has primed itself for providing exceptional service to its clients. MPI is present in all the three major islands of the Philippines, with 60 Branches, 15 Lending centers, 9 Premier Wealth Centers, 9 Branch Lites, 1 Islamic Banking Window, and close to 80 offsite and onsite ATMs nationwide – the only foreign bank with the largest branch network in the country.
MPI is a member of the Maybank Group, one of Asia’s leading banking groups and Southeast Asia’s fourth largest bank by assets. Maybank is the only foreign bank that has operations in all 10 ASEAN countries, and has presence in key financial centers such as London, New York, Hong Kong and Dubai.

For more details, visit: www.maybank.com.ph

Community mangrove restoration in Bulacan Province, Philippines

Community mangrove restoration in Bulacan Province, Philippines, is vital for environmental resilience, community empowerment, and sustainable livelihoods. Other non-profit, private and public sector organisations and movements, including One Child One Tree volunteers, have been instrumental in spearheading these initiatives, collaborating with local communities and stakeholders.

🌿 Ecological and Socioeconomic Importance

• Coastal Protection: Mangroves act as natural barriers, reducing the impact of storm surges and preventing coastal erosion.
• Biodiversity Support: They provide critical habitats for various marine species, including fish, crabs, and shellfish, which are essential for local fisheries.
• Livelihood Enhancement: Mangrove ecosystems support sustainable livelihoods through fishing, propagation & nursery establishment, aquaculture, and eco-tourism.

FEED’s  involvement in the “Great Wall of Mangroves” project, have led to the planting of over 40,000 mangrove trees in collaboration with local communities and other Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) partners in Bulacan and other provinces, in the hopes they will trigger more large scale community- and development-centred restoration efforts.

📉 Restoration Efforts

• Mangrove Loss: From 1990 to 2002, Bulacan experienced a significant decline in mangrove cover, with a 53.29% decrease due to conversion for aquaculture and land reclamation. (Source: Wetlands International Philippines)
• Current Status: As of recent data, only 391.14 hectares of mangroves remain in Bulacan, representing a mere 15% of the national total for mangrove-planted areas.  (Source: Central Luzon Balita)
• Restoration Initiatives: Community-led projects have been pivotal in reversing this trend, with local fisherfolk and youth actively participating in planting and maintaining mangrove saplings.

📊 Community Engagement and Impact

• Youth Involvement: Student organizations, such as the Bulacan State University Student Government and JCI Malolos, have been actively involved in mangrove planting activities, fostering environmental awareness among the youth.
• Social Capital: Participation in mangrove restoration projects has been shown to enhance social capital, improving access to information and services, and thereby benefiting community livelihoods. (Source: MDPI)

📈 Future Outlook

Continued community involvement, supported by data-driven strategies and collaborative partnerships, is essential for the long-term success of mangrove restoration in Bulacan. By addressing ecological, social, and economic factors, these initiatives contribute to building resilient coastal communities and ecosystems.

Ridge to REEForestation:  Tree-Nurturing Program with FEED

A glimpse into our mangrove planting in La Union—where local knowledge, generational care, and collective action come together to protect our coasts. Led by the community and supported by partners who believe in climate action, this initiative is more than planting—it’s legacy-building.

CONTACT FEED

In 2015, the Philippine government submitted to the United Nations the country’s commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The country committed to reduce its carbon emissions by 70 percent by 2030. The carbon dioxide reductions will come from the sectors of energy, transport, waste, forestry and industry.

FEED runs a number of Students and Volunteers for the Environment (SAVE); Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) – such as mangrove planting for coastal protection or ridge reforestation plantings; One Child, One Tree; Bio-Intensive Gardens (BIG) for nutrition in public elementary schools and other spaces; Climate Change Survival 101 and other LIVING LEGACY programs – customised environmental engagement activities for individuals and organisations interested in contributing to climate change adaptation efforts and greening critical areas such as watersheds, ridges, and reefs that all require rehabilitation.

Join us!  Help us reverse the Earth’s “hothouse climate” tipping point.