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Bakawan of Brgy. Belen Fisherfolk

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NAGA CITY— “An bakawan samuya, magayon,” said 65-year-old Brgy. Belen Fisherfolk Jesus P. Bual in an interview with Ateneo Social Science Research Center (ASSRC).

Tatay Jesus shared that bakawan or mangroves in Brgy. Belen shines in the afternoon and provides a magnificent view, attracting visitors and tourists.

“Proud kami sa samuyang barangay,” Tatay Jesus shared. Brgy. Belen fisherfolk, together with barangay officials and other residents, thus help with the improvement and protection of the bakawan.

“Kapag may mga organisasyon na nagtatanim, natulong naman ang mga kasamahan kong mangingisda… Tulad nitong mga proteksyon, paglagay ng tuldok tapos tatalian para pag-alon, ‘di tatangayin at ‘di masisira ang pananim,” said Tatay Jose.

Ateneo Social Science Research Center (ASSRC) recently led a training workshop on mangrove nursery establishment this November 18, 2025, at Brgy. Belen, Calabanga, Camarines Sur.

The workshop is part of ASSRC’s ongoing project titled “Enhancing the adaptive capacity of fishers at Brgy. Belen, Calabanga, Camarines Sur through participatory mangrove management,” which aims to educate and capacitate the community of Brgy. Belen fisherfolk.

The training involved pretest and post-test training sessions, mangrove nursery establishment, workshop and plenary sessions, and discussion on nursery monitoring plans and next steps.

“Through this project, mas naipakilala at naturuan namin ang komunidad kung ano ang meron sila in terms of their mangrove ecosystem,” said Mangrove Expert Amanda S. De los Santos.

De los Santos added that the community learned that Brgy. Belen mangrove forest harbors two types of bakawan, which are red-listed as globally vulnerable and near threatened. “All the more na rason para mas dapat na protektahan at pangalagaan nila ang ecosystem na meron sila,” De los Santos shared.

The community has been a long-time partner of Ateneo de Naga University (ADNU); thus, the project also evaluates the programs and projects implemented, such as mangrove planting and coastal clean-up.

by Reg Dioneda