Mangroove Conservation Symposium

Last December 7, 2009, a symposium on Mangrove Conservation was held in the Agusan National High School Ampitheater which started at 1:30 in the afternoon and ended at 3:30.

First part was the opening remarks of our school principal, Mr. Peter G. Esterioso and followed by a few words of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources Executive Director, Mr. Mario L. Mundo. He explained about the Voyage of the Balanghay and some facts about our ancient boat. The voyage was part of the Kaya ng Pinoy Foundation and it is also the symbol of unity of the Filipinos.

The Balanghay is the first water trap found in the South East Asia, where there were 9 of them found in the Butuan City last 1987 and 3 were successfully excavated. It was said that one of the boats dated from 990 A. D. and the others on 1250 A. D. The balanghay is also a symbol of the courage and bravery and ingenuity of Filipino. It was also said that the Balanghays were better than European boats dating back in 330 A. D.

The speakers prepared a game for the students which was called Wildlife Pairing, that consisted 9 pairs of students. This game was to tell the students that all of us should be aware of our surroundings and our same kind.

The lecture proceeded after the game. It started with the topic Coastal Areas then preceded to facts about the Mangrove, its benefits, effects and functions
The program was made possible with the cooperation of the Science Departmen, our school principal and students. The program is also a proof of the active participation of the Agusan National High School in the Environment and Coastal Resource Management Committee for the Voyage of the Balanghay.