Iloilo Police Launch Project Tatap with Mangrove Planting for Environmental Protection
On the morning of March 13, 2026, the Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) officially launched Project Tatap (Tulong, Aksyon, at Pagkakaisa para sa Kalikasan) with a significant mangrove planting activity in Barangay Hinactacan, La Paz District, Iloilo City. This initiative marks a proactive step by law enforcement to engage in environmental sustainability efforts, blending community collaboration with ecological stewardship.
Leadership and Vision Behind the Initiative
Leading the launch was Police Colonel Wilbert B. Parilla, the officer-in-charge of the ICPO, who emphasized that the project is rooted in pro-environment advocacy, climate resilience, and strengthened police-community partnerships. In his address, Parilla highlighted the importance of moving beyond mere planting to foster sustainable actions and collective responsibility.
"Our plans and actions must be sustainable and geared toward resilience and adaptability," Parilla stated. "We should not settle for planting mangroves alone but also focus on creating initiatives, crafting plans, and helping one another through collective action. By working together and remaining united as stewards of our environment, we embody the true essence of Tatap. We are not only protectors of the people but also protectors of the environment."
Project Goals and Implementation
Project Tatap aims to promote environmental protection while enhancing police-community relations. According to Police Major Shella Mae Sangrines, the ICPO public information officer and project proponent, the program seeks to:
- Encourage active participation in environmental programs
- Enhance awareness about climate change impacts
- Integrate environmental advocacy into daily police-community interactions
The implementation and monitoring of the project will be handled by ICPO Public Information Officers Police Staff Sergeant Shella Joy Amar and Police Corporal Niel Gumban, ensuring ongoing oversight and community engagement.
Community and Government Collaboration
The launch event saw participation from various stakeholders, demonstrating broad-based support for the initiative. Attendees included:
- Danny Villanueva, barangay captain of Barangay Hinactacan
- Members of the Barangay Council
- Representatives from the City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO)
- Police Lieutenant Colonel Stephen Somosot, chief of the City Community Affairs and Development Unit (CADU)
- Police Lieutenant Rosana Montero, assistant chief of CADU
- Other police personnel and community partners
This collaboration underscores the project's focus on unity and shared responsibility in addressing environmental challenges.
Timing and Broader Significance
The mangrove planting activity coincided with the celebration of National Women's Month, adding a layer of social relevance to the environmental efforts. The ICPO has stated that this initiative reflects its commitment to sustainable development in Iloilo City, aligning with global trends where law enforcement agencies increasingly participate in ecological conservation.
By launching Project Tatap, the ICPO not only contributes to local biodiversity through mangrove restoration—which helps protect coastlines and support marine life—but also sets a precedent for other police units to engage in similar sustainability projects. This move highlights how community policing can extend beyond traditional roles to include environmental protection as a core mission.
