BakaJuan Project

26/07/2026

🌿 International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem 2026 🌿

Mangroves are among the Philippines' most valuable coastal ecosystems. They protect our shorelines from storms and erosion, provide habitats for countless species, support fisheries that sustain many communities, and help mitigate the impacts of climate change through their ability to store large amounts of carbon.

As we observe the International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem, we are reminded that protecting these ecosystems takes more than just planting trees. Effective mangrove conservation means safeguarding existing forests, restoring degraded areas using the right species, addressing the causes of mangrove loss, and working alongside coastal communities to ensure these ecosystems continue to thrive.

Through initiatives like the BakaJuan Project, the Association of Filipino Forestry Students–UPLB (AFFS-UPLB) continues to advocate for science-based mangrove conservation while encouraging volunteerism, environmental education, and community participation. This reminds us that protecting our mangrove ecosystems is a responsibility we all share that extends beyond a single day of celebration.

Every mangrove protected today is an investment in a more resilient tomorrow. 🌱

For the environment and all who dwell within. 🏞️


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25/02/2026

𝗠𝗔𝗡𝗚𝗥𝗢𝗩𝗘 𝗪𝗘𝗗𝗡𝗘𝗦𝗗𝗔𝗬🌿🌦️

Overwashed mangrove forests are tiny islands constantly swept by tides, yet standing strong and resilient. Their intricate roots trap soil and nutrients, protecting the coastline and nurturing life even in harsh conditions.

𝐹𝑜𝑟 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑒𝑛𝑣𝑖𝑟𝑜𝑛𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑎𝑙𝑙 𝑤ℎ𝑜 𝑑𝑤𝑒𝑙𝑙 𝑤𝑖𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑛.

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20/02/2026

04/02/2026

𝗠𝗔𝗡𝗚𝗥𝗢𝗩𝗘 𝗪𝗘𝗗𝗡𝗘𝗦𝗗𝗔𝗬🌿🌦️

Mangroves survive in saline coastal environments through a mechanism called salt regulation. This includes root-level salt exclusion (𝙍𝙝𝙞𝙯𝙤𝙥𝙝𝙤𝙧𝙖), leaf salt excretion (𝘼𝙫𝙞𝙘𝙚𝙣𝙣𝙞𝙖), and salt storage in succulent leaves that are later removed through leaf fall.

𝐹𝑜𝑟 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑒𝑛𝑣𝑖𝑟𝑜𝑛𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑎𝑙𝑙 𝑤ℎ𝑜 𝑑𝑤𝑒𝑙𝑙 𝑤𝑖𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑛.

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21/01/2026

𝗠𝗔𝗡𝗚𝗥𝗢𝗩𝗘 𝗪𝗘𝗗𝗡𝗘𝗦𝗗𝗔𝗬🌿🌦️

𝑀𝒶𝓃𝑔𝓇𝑜𝓋𝑒𝓈 𝒷𝑒𝑔𝒾𝓃 𝓁𝒾𝒻𝑒 𝓃𝑜𝓉 𝒾𝓃 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝓈𝑜𝒾𝓁, 𝒷𝓊𝓉 𝓂𝒾𝒹𝒶𝒾𝓇.

Their seeds, called propagules, start growing while still attached to the parent tree—a process called vivipary. Once mature, they fall into the water, float, and take root in shallow, muddy areas to grow into new mangroves.

𝐹𝑜𝑟 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑒𝑛𝑣𝑖𝑟𝑜𝑛𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑎𝑙𝑙 𝑤ℎ𝑜 𝑑𝑤𝑒𝑙𝑙 𝑤𝑖𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑛.

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16/12/2025

Roots were planted not only in soil, but in young minds 🌱🌊

This year’s 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗲 𝗘𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗵 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗺 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱 became a meaningful platform for inspiring environmental awareness and responsibility among the youth. Through engaging discussions, interactive activities, and real-world exposure, the program strengthened students’ understanding of 𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗲 𝗲𝗰𝗼𝘀𝘆𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗺𝘀 and their vital role in protecting coastlines, supporting biodiversity, and safeguarding communities.

Beyond learning, the program emphasized the value of 𝗰𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻—showing that meaningful conservation efforts are built through shared commitment and collaboration. The success of this initiative reflects the dedication of individuals and institutions united by a common goal: nurturing the next generation of environmental stewards 🌍💚.

This endeavor would not have been possible without the generous support and cooperation of our partners. 𝗔𝗙𝗙𝗦-𝗨𝗣𝗟𝗕 extends its heartfelt appreciation to everyone who stood with us in making this program impactful and inspiring.

𝗜𝗻 𝗰𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗮𝗯𝗼𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵:
DepEd Tayo Malitam ES-Batangas City
UPLB College of Forestry and Natural Resources
Conservation International Philippines

When we invest in 𝗲𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻, we strengthen 𝗰𝗼𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲—and when children learn to care today, mangrove forests grow stronger tomorrow 🌱

𝐹𝑜𝑟 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑒𝑛𝑣𝑖𝑟𝑜𝑛𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑎𝑙𝑙 𝑤ℎ𝑜 𝑑𝑤𝑒𝑙𝑙 𝑤𝑖𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑛.

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11/12/2025

𝗠𝗔𝗡𝗚𝗥𝗢𝗩𝗘 𝗘𝗗𝗨𝗖𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗬𝗢𝗨𝗧𝗛 𝗣𝗥𝗢𝗚𝗥𝗔𝗠 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱 🌊

For roots that anchor, waters they cleanse, and coasts they protect!

The 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐄𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦 (𝐌𝐄𝐘𝐏) 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓 officially launched on 𝐃𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟓, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓, in 𝐌𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐦 𝐄𝐥𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐥, 𝐁𝐚𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐬 𝐂𝐢𝐭𝐲, 𝐁𝐚𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐬, where students participated in interactive sessions, games, and hands-on activities that introduced what mangroves are and why they play a crucial role in protecting coastal communities. The event aimed to raise awareness on mangrove conservation, foster environmental stewardship among the youth, and strengthen partnerships between schools and local stakeholders for sustainable ecosystem management.

During the program, students explored essential topics about mangrove ecosystems, beginning with an introduction to what mangroves are and the unique modified structures that enable them to survive in challenging coastal environments. They learned about the ecological importance of mangroves, from protecting shorelines to serving as habitats for diverse species, as well as the different mangrove species found in the Philippines. The discussion also covered major threats facing mangrove areas and the historical decline of these vital ecosystems. To reinforce their learning, students engaged in interactive station activities, including reenacting the movements of animals commonly found in mangroves and identifying potential threats through guided scenarios. After completing the lessons and activities, AFFS-UPLB visited the 𝐁𝐚𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐬 𝐂𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐄𝐜𝐨𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐤 with the school’s 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐄𝐧𝐯𝐢𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐢𝐧 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐥𝐬 𝐎𝐫𝐠𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐳𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 (YES-O) officers, where they observed the site’s conditions and explored a potential area for future rehabilitation efforts, reinforcing the importance of continued community involvement in mangrove conservation.

This program created an exciting and meaningful space where young learners explored environmental stewardship. By combining informative discussions with playful, practical exercises, students were inspired to appreciate mangroves’ role in 𝐬𝐚𝐟𝐞𝐠𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐛𝐨𝐭𝐡 𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐢𝐧 𝐥𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐞𝐟𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐬. ⚓

𝗜𝗻 𝗰𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗮𝗯𝗼𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵:
DepEd Tayo Malitam ES-Batangas City
UPLB College of Forestry and Natural Resources
Conservation International Philippines

When children learn to care today, coastal forests grow stronger tomorrow. 𝑨𝒏𝒅 𝒕𝒓𝒖𝒍𝒚 — 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆’𝒔 𝒏𝒐 𝒕𝒆𝒍𝒍𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒉𝒐𝒘 𝒇𝒂𝒓 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒊𝒓 𝒂𝒅𝒗𝒐𝒄𝒂𝒄𝒚 𝒘𝒊𝒍𝒍 𝒈𝒐. 👧🏽🧒🏽☘️

𝐹𝑜𝑟 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑒𝑛𝑣𝑖𝑟𝑜𝑛𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑎𝑙𝑙 𝑤ℎ𝑜 𝑑𝑤𝑒𝑙𝑙 𝑤𝑖𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑛.

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𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗰𝗹𝗮𝗶𝗺𝗲𝗿:
All photos of children featured in this publication were taken with the informed consent of their parents or legal guardians. The images are used solely for educational and program documentation purposes and will not be used for commercial purposes.