Press Release: A Sustainable Commitment to Coastal Protection and Livelihood
La Union, Philippines—In celebration of “Month of the Ocean”, Security Bank has taken a bold step toward environmental sustainability by planting 940 native mangrove seedlings alongside the Dulao Fishpond and Fishpen Producers Cooperative, in collaboration with Oceanus Conservation and Communities for Nature. This initiative marks the first year of Project MITHI, which is currently at 4940 planted seedlings out of 10,000 mangrove seedlings to strengthen coastal ecosystems and community resilience.
The volunteer-driven initiative saw 43 Security Bank employees from nine branches—including representatives from the Head Office and locations in La Union, Baguio, and Urdaneta—work alongside the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Aringay, La Union. Local leaders, including MENRO Engr. Rhea Tugade, Cooperative Development Specialist Behilda Miana, and Sangguniang Bayan Member Hon. Ramsey Mangaoang, participated in the restoration effort.
Security Bank Chief Finance Officer Eduardo Olbes underscored the importance of giving back to the community, emphasizing how this effort aligns with Security Bank’s three pillars:
- Enriching Lives through meaningful engagements
- Empowering Businesses by supporting sustainable initiatives
- Building Communities Sustainably for long-term impact
Oceanus Conservation Director and Co-Founder Camille Rivera-Roa stressed the importance of biodiversity in mangrove restoration: “We’re not planting just one species—we’re planting three native species: Rhizophora spp., Lumnitzera spp., and Avicennia spp.. A monoculture approach makes mangroves vulnerable to disease, but by planting diverse species based on its zone, we’re fostering resilience.”
Beyond environmental restoration, the initiative brings economic benefits to the coastal community. The Dulao Fishpond and Fishpen Producers Cooperative together with Oceanus Conservation, will oversee planting, monitoring, and nurturing the seedlings, fostering both biodiversity and local livelihood opportunities.
One Security Bank employee shared how the experience inspired her to revive mangrove planting in her own hometown, where fishpond development had replaced once-thriving mangrove forests.
Project MITHI—short for Mangrove-Based Initiatives for Thriving Habitats and Inclusive Communities—a tripartite collaboration with Security Bank, Communities for Nature, and Oceanus Conservation, cultivating a legacy of resilience, responsibility, and sustainable growth. The project goes beyond planting; it includes assessing rehabilitation sites, selecting suitable native species, and ensuring long-term survivability of mangroves, reinforcing Security Bank’s dedication to sustainable community-building.
