PH Haiyan and DENR VIII Strengthen Partnership for 74-Hectare Mangrove Restoration Initiative

PH Haiyan and DENR VIII Strengthen Partnership for 74-Hectare Mangrove Restoration Initiative Published: July 22, 2026 PH Haiyan Advocacy, Inc., in partnership with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Region VIII, successfully concluded a two-day multi-sectoral workshop and Expanded Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signing held on July 20–21, 2026. The activity strengthened institutional collaboration for the 74-hectare Mangrove Restoration, Protection, and Sustainable Coastal Management Initiative in Tacloban City, aimed at promoting environmental conservation, coastal ecosystem protection, and long-term climate resilience. The workshop and signing activities brought together DENR Region VIII, led by Regional Executive Director Arturo N. Salazar, and PH Haiyan Advocacy, Inc., led by Chairman and President Petronilo L. Ilagan. Representatives from the Department of Agriculture, Department of Tourism, Department of Public Works and Highways, Department of the Interior and Local Government, Tacloban City Government, and Leyte Metropolitan Water District also participated, alongside barangay leaders. BFAR Region VIII, LEYECO II, and Eastern Visayas State University were likewise identified among the partner institutions under the expanded collaboration, although they were not represented during the MOA signing. During the activity, DENR Regional Executive Director Salazar emphasized: “It should not only remain on paper—it must be transformed into action.” For PH Haiyan, the expanded partnership represents an important step toward coordinated environmental action and sustainable management of Tacloban's coastal resources. The organization continues to encourage government agencies, local communities, and partner institutions to translate their commitments into meaningful initiatives that support a greener, safer, and more climate-resilient Tacloban. Photo Contributor: DENR Region VIII