The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is currently reviewing its October 8, 2025 Memorandum “Interim Operational Guidance and Conditions on the Earth-Balling and Relocation of Mangroves in Exceptional Circumstances“. See story by GMA Integrated News.
The Memorandum permits earth-balling and relocation of mangroves for government-endorsed infrastructure “flagship” projects, particularly when proponents claim that all other mitigation measures have been exhausted.
The Global Mangrove Alliance Philippines (GMAP) expressed their concerns through a statement and initiated a collective petition to urge the DENR to withdraw or substantially revise the Memorandum.
Earth balling can cause irreversible damage to mangroves, further increasing risks to existing mangrove ecosystems in the country.
Mangrove Ecology 