KATUNGGAN REHABILITATION PROJECT

The Greenbelt of Dinas Coast
In the early 70's,the devastating effect of uncontrolled cutting of mangrove trees in the coastal places of Dinas,was never been predicted then.From the sprawling trees of Tarakan,a barangay near the border of San Pablo town,stretching to Sungayan and Sambulawan,trees were cut and the purpose was never justified.Loads of mangrove woods and timber were burnt to charcoal and sold in the nearby cities,leaving the swamp area shaven in utmost proportion.The ecosystem was badly affected.Fish harvest slowed down,and floods gave an alarming signal.The local folks then built fishponds around these places.The rehabilitation came later when fishponds were also affected by the domino effect of the cutting of mangrove trees.Fishes and other living organism that depends on the swamps or in the mangrove areas little by little diminished and left the barren sites like a draught.After several meetings between local tribes and non-govermental organizations,a project was made to build a strong greenbelt and replantation of mangrove seedlings took place on the early 90's.Lately the strong and well managed operation of Bantay Dagat and Bantay Kalikasan bear fruits on its program.Greens had returned as well as the fishes....