February 12, 2025 – With the goal of creating a meaningful movement to preserve the city’s natural zones through impactful action and community empowerment, the Ateneo de Zamboanga University, through the efforts of the Ateneo Center for Environment and Sustainability (ACES) and with the help of the Center for Community Extension Services (CCES) continued the launching of the Stewardship and Indigenous Environmental Management for Biodiversity and Resilience Actions (SIEMBRA) Project at Simariki Island, Brgy Talon-Talon, Zamboanga City.
Representatives from the community, local government unit of Talon-Talon, council of elders, fisher-folk, youth and women’s groups, plus the Indigenous Peoples Organization (IPO) Association of Simariki joined AdZU in a mangrove propagule planting and caring activity as part of this project.
The Sama-Bangingi Indigenous Peoples Education (IPEd) PTA President Mr Boyet Gani shared an inspiring message to open the event. ACES Director Mr Emir V Epino explained the details of the SIEMBRA Project which is the lead program of the Jesuit Refugee Service under the C3P3, Care for Communities and Creation – Pillar 3. The target goal of the project is to plant and care for 1000 propagules for the proliferation of Zamboanga City’s mangrove forests.
ACES Program Officer Ms Welma Omboy also shared more details on the rationale of the program and, together with Mr Jain Said, demonstrated the proper method of planting the mangrove propagules to the participants.
A short meeting was done with the 25 community members tasked to watch over the planted propagules to plan out schedules for monthly checkups, area upkeep, and other procedures. Through this project, AdZU aims to empower the Sama-Bangingi tribe to continue being the stewards of their community’s natural areas. This has been a success for AdZU and its partners generating hope for the project’s growth and development.
