A total of 750 high school science clubbers from all over the country planted mangrove trees in Kalibo, Aklan in a bid to help expand the remaining mangrove cover in the country.
The mangrove tree planting was part of the five-day National Youth Science, Technology and Environment Summer Camp (NYSTESC) which carried the theme "Ocean Odyssey: Fathom the Uncharted Waters."
The NYSTESC aims to impart the current trends and breakthroughs in the field of Marine Science, together with its application in industries such as Fisheries.
It covered the topics Marine Science 101, Aquaculture, Physical Oceanography, and Marine Conservation.
A parallel seminar was conducted for the teachers which featured best practices on science teaching.
PSYSC President Kristina Paola Frias said the mangrove planting was first time done in the 37 years of the organization's existence.
"One of the thrusts of our organization is to help preserve the environment and this is our contribution in propagating the remaining mangrove forests in the country," she said.
The mangrove tree planting took place at the Bakhawan Eco-park in Brgy. New Buswang, Kalibo, Aklan, a multi-awarded 75-hectare mangrove reforestation considered as the Best in Asia and recipient of the Golden Eagle Award for Excellence in environmental preservation.
Dr. Ester B. Ogena, PSYSC Board Member and Director of the Department of Science and Technology-Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI), urged the science clubbers to pursue further their interests in science into helping preserve the environment.
"Science could be a great help in arresting global warming and saving the environment, one of the main thrusts of the DOST for 2008 as it celebrates its Golden Anniversary," she said in a speech at the camp.
Ogena said interest in science should turn into action that would put forward the development of the Philippines.
"Interests should translate into action, actions that do not only promote science but more importantly, advance the well-being of the people and the nation, as well," she said.
Mangroves in the country face vast degradation and damage over the decades with only 150,000 hectares remaining.
The Bakhawan Eco-Park houses species of bayabason, miapa, papatgat, bolali, kawilan, bakhaw bato, bakhaw babae, bakhaw lalaki, busain, and buta-buta.
