XAES recently launched a new project entitled “Participatory Rehabilitation of Over-exploited Mangroves thru Environment Friendly, Community Driven and Technically sound strategies (PROTECT Sibuguey Bay) last July 22, 2008 at Roderic’s Resort, Taway,Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay.

The launching was attended by the Municipal Mayor of Ipil, Atty. Eldwin Alibutdan, Municipal Agriculture Officer of Ipil,representatives from DENR/PENRO, officers of the fisherfolks organizations and the barangay officials of the 4 barangays covered by the project.

The project’s main objective is to reforest the denuded mangroves of 4 coastal areas in Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay. It is funded by the Philippine Tropical Forest Conservation Foundation (PTFCF) in partnership with XAES and the Municipal Local Government of Ipil.

XAES Executive Director Mr. Nestor R.Carbonera, remarkably stressed out that to attain the objectives of the project all stakeholders will help, support and do their share in the project implementation.

The training primarily focused on the integration and diversification of industrial and fruit trees in the farmlands. The participants were also able to do the actual budding of rubber.

This training is part of the Resource Enhancement in Agriculture thru Community and Household Participation (REACH) Project which is funded by the German Doctors in Developing Countries. The project is still in its fifth month of implementation since it started last April 2008.