2026 IJRSE – Volume 15 Issue 11
Available Online: 6 May 2026
Author/s:
De Vega, Maria Criszel P.*
Central Bicol State University of Agriculture – Pasacao Campus, Philippines (mariacriszeldevega@gmail.com)
De La Rosa, Alexes Lee S.
Candia, Mary-Ann G.
Lioc, Aira Belle A.
Labilles, Rosechel C.
Nolasco, Michael N.
Abstract:
This study assessed the mangrove conservation status in Balogo, Pasacao, Camarines Sur, to evaluate its effectiveness as a natural “bio-shield” for coastal protection. Using a mixed-methods research design, ecological health was appraised across two stations (sitio mainit and sitio poñgol) through quadrat sampling to identify species diversity, density, and structural height. Additionally, structured interviews were conducted with the local government unit (LGU), the MangRASS organization, and the Municipal Agriculture Office to evaluate current management strategies. The inventory identified five primary species: Avicennia marina, Sonneratia alba, Avicennia rumphiana, Rhizophora mucronata, and Nypa fruticans. Results indicated that while station 2 exhibited higher tree density, it showed stunted growth due to wind exposure and high salinity. Station 1 faced significant ecological stress from natural sandbar formations that disrupted local hydrology. Anthropogenic pressures, specifically the accumulation of plastic waste damaging pneumatophores, were also identified as critical threats. The study concludes that the mangrove forest requires immediate hydrological restoration and formalized community-led protection. A strategic mangrove conservation and protection plan (2026–2030) was formulated, focusing on sustainable waste mitigation and hydrological management to enhance the forest’s long-term capacity for coastal resilience.
Keywords: mangrove assessment, coastal protection, belt-transect, hydrological restoration, bio-shield
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5861/ijrse.2026.26156
Cite this article:
De Vega, M. C. P., De La Rosa, A. L. S., Candia, M.-A. G., Lioc, A. B. A., Labilles, R. C., & Nolasco, M. N. (2026). Assessment of mangrove conservation in Balogo, Pasacao for coastal protection. International Journal of Research Studies in Education, 15(11), 45-59. https://doi.org/10.5861/ijrse.2026.26156
* Corresponding Author