Saving nature - Serving Humanity

MSU-IIT VISION

A world class institution of higher learning renowned for its excellence in Science and Technology and for its commitment to the holistic development of individual and society.

MSU-IIT MISSION

To provide quality education for the industrial and socio-economic development of Mindanao with its diverse cultures through relevant programs in instruction, research, extension and community involvement.

            With the College of Arts and Social Sciences (CASS) dedication with the mission and vision stated above, the said college has taken its action way ahead the others to save our Mother Nature. CASS has this extension program – Mangrove planting, students are encouraged to participate in mangrove planting and coastal clean-up in Bayug, Iligan City.

            Last June 16, 2011, Araw ng Iligan, the 3^rd year and 4^th year students of AB Political Science and some of the Executive Council of CASS together with DENR and the local government officials of Bayug had hand in hand helped in the Mangrove Planting Project. I have witnessed this “Saving the Nature” activity because of my elder sister, an AB Political Science student. I told her that I really like to join in the activity, and she invited me to join the date with nature.

            That day was very awesome and so fulfilling. I met her classmates. Her classmates we’re very kind and so cool to be with. I really enjoyed their company. What I enjoyed the most about them is that I can really see in them that they are really dedicated in what they are doing. Despite how the heat of the sun hurts, how muddy the place is, how hard it is to clean the mangroves with the water above the knee level, how stones, shells and other foreign objects hurt, and sometimes others get wounded including me; at the end of the day everybody feels so light and happy. The activity was very tiring yet it leaves everyone’s face with a smile. It feels great when you have done something good for nature; it’s like serving the humanity.

            Below are some of the Mangrove’s role on habitat:

Refuge: Tree climbing crabs and sea snails climb up their aerial roots at high tide to avoid aquatic predators. The roots provide a surface for all kinds of creatures from algae to shellfish. And the tangle of roots provide hiding places for young fishes and shrimps from larger predators. Their branches provide shelter for creatures from Proboscis Monkeys and nesting sites for large herons, to crevices for insects and other tiny creatures.

How did the term "mangrove" arise?  We don't really know. It might be derived from some of the ancient names given to some mangrove trees: the Portuguese called them mangue, the Spanish mangle, the Malaysmanggi-manggi or mangin.

Food: While on the tree, leaves are eaten by all kinds of creatures. Monkey snack on the shoots and leaves, small insects nibble on them. Fallen leaves are an important source of nutrients both within the mangrove habitat and when it is flushed out to the coral reefs. The leaves are rapidly broken up by crabs and other small creatures, and further broken down by micro-organisms into useful minerals. There are even tiny moth larvae that feed on pneumatophores.
Natural water filter: Underwater, a huge number of filter-feeders are fastened on the tangle of roots: barnacles, sponges, shellfish. These filter feeders clean the water of nutrients and silt. As a result, clear water washes out into the sea, allowing the coral reef ecosystem to flourish.
Stabilise the coast and river banks: Their roots prevents mud and sand from being washed away with the tide and river currents. Mangrove trees also slowly regenerate the soil by penetrating and aerating it (other creatures such as crabs and mud lobsters also help in . As the mud builds up and soil conditions improve, other plants can take root. Mangrove trees also reduce the damage from violent storms.

http://www.naturia.per.sg/buloh/plants/mangrove_trees.htm

            This mangrove planting project was just a start, and if majority here on Earth if not all will help conserve nature, balance in ecology will then be achieved. Earth will be a safer place to live. Empowering youth with activities regarding saving earth should be given importance. As our national hero said “ang kabataan ang pag-asa ng bayan”.

Cleaning.Seaweeds in my hand.

Let’s help save our nature and make a better place for the future generation.