EMPLOYEES and agency personnel of SM City Iloilo planted the first batch of mangroves at riverbank near Esplanade 9 on January 13.

Several batches of staff will be deployed on specific days to complete the target of 2,000 mangroves at the site.

Mayor Jerry Treñas thanked partners for helping implement initiatives for environmental preservation.

The activity was part of the massive mangrove planting activities of City Government, set to spruce up banks of Iloilo River particularly along new sections of Esplanades.

The mall, headed by SM Regional Operations Manager for Visayas 3 Girlie Liboon, responded to the call of collective efforts in conserving the waterway at the heart of the city.

Mangroves serve as sanctuary to fishes and home to other marine life. (PR)