Over a hectare of mangrove area in Barangay Tangke, Talisay City is set for rehabilitation.

Despite being situated in a densely populated area, with houses and shanties all over including vehicles of sorts parked just about where there is space available, patches of mangrove trees have flourished in Barangay Tangke. 

Mangroves are a natural gem.

Amid a sea of garbage and being hidden from view by various structures, the mangrove area brings hope that it would generate for the barangay and its residents additional livelihood opportunities.

The mangroves have grown verdant and healthy in Sitio Lawis despite the murkiness of the water and deposits of muck. 

Barangay Councilman Reynaldo Abarquez of the Committee on Environment and Solid Waste Management, Councilman Alfredo Obrero of the Committee on Budget and Finance, and Councilman Leo Cabalan of the Committee on Peace and Order went to inspect again the coastal forest in line with the barangay council's objective to restore the area's natural beauty.

Based on their estimates, the area has been neglected for over 40 years.

They said that should rehabilitation plan be pursued, they aspire to establish the place as a tourist destination that would generate additional livelihood opportunities to Tangke residents. 

Abarquez shares his vivid memories of the mangrove area as a teenager. He said he often comes to the area to swim and catch fish. 

“Nindot pa kaayo kaliguan kay tin-aw pa kaayo. Mamasol mig tilapia, makakuha pa mi'g alimango sa sapyaw,” he said.

The first step that the officials would initiate is a massive cleanup dubbed “Plan Limpyo Bakhawan.”

They said that the cleanup would be challenging because water carrying garbage and debris from other barangays ends up at the area where the said patches of mangroves have come to flourish.  Preventing the proliferation of garbage is made worse by residents in the vicinity of the mangrove area who have continued to be irresponsible about the disposal of their garbage. 

As for Obrero, he said they are keen on providing “gakit” (raft) for personnel and volunteers to get as close as possible near hard-to-reach places for the cleanup.

Abarquez added that nets would also be put up to hold the garbage carried by floodwaters in place. Nets would prevent the garbage from gathering at the estuary. Nets would also help in the collection of garbage from the outside more efficient. 

“Butangan siya og pukot aron maalihan ang garbage. Adto na didto i-collect ang garbage sa gawas, para dinhi sa sulod limpyo na,” Abarquez said. 

As for Cabalan, he said his task would be to ensure that residents would be involved in protecting the area and help in the restoration of a natural gem which is a probable source of income once tourism potential takes off.

“Duna gyud bantay. Istoryahan ang mga residente nga dili gyud palabayan og sagbot, nga magbantay na gyud ta kay gilihok na man,” Cabalan said.