Philippine Consul General Marford Angeles (right) leads the mangrove tree-planting initiative at Jebel Ali Wildlife Sanctuary in Dubai. ARCHIVE

A deep-rooted sense of community, responsibility, and environmental stewardship took center stage as the Philippine Consulate General in Dubai partnered with GoMommy.ae to launch Kandili, a mangrove tree-planting initiative held at Jebel Ali Wildlife Sanctuary. The initiative on Friday (March 7), which is part of the Consulate’s Labindalawa campaign, underscores the Filipino value of "malasakit"—a profound sense of care that extends beyond people to nature itself. Named after the Filipino word for "protective care," Kandili symbolizes the commitment of the Filipino community in the UAE to sustainability and environmental conservation.

Power of mangroves in climate action

Mangrove trees play a crucial role in coastal protection, biodiversity, and climate change mitigation. These resilient trees act as natural barriers against coastal erosion, serve as carbon sinks, and provide a sanctuary for marine life. By planting mangroves, the Filipino community is not only giving back to the UAE but also contributing to global conservation efforts. During the event, Philippine Consul General Angeles emphasized that Kandili is more than just a tree-planting project—it's about fostering a sustainability mindset. “Our bayanihan spirit goes beyond helping one another—it extends to protecting our environment for future generations,” he said. The initiative also highlights the innovative work of GoMommy.ae, founded by Bea Bagac-Lataza, who introduced tree-planting gift cards—an eco-friendly initiative blending technology and sustainability. These cards allow businesses and individuals to contribute to reforestation efforts while supporting sustainable entrepreneurship. Kandili aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in climate action and ecosystem preservation. Volunteers, environmental advocates, and community leaders attended the event, reinforcing a collective commitment to a greener future. For those who want to take part in the initiative, GoMommy’s "Gift a Tree" cards are available through Instagram @gomommy.ae or Facebook. ICA/Expat Media
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