Yolanda Survivor: He Grew A Mangrove Forest to Protect His Village
In November 2013, Super Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) struck the Philippines with unprecedented force, becoming one of the strongest tropical cyclones ever recorded. The storm caused widespread destruction and claimed thousands of lives. Among the many stories of courage and resilience that emerged from this tragedy is that of Gary Dabansol, a Yolanda survivor who turned his grief into hope by planting a mangrove forest to protect his village from future storms.
The Impact of Yolanda
As a resident of a small coastal village in Leyte, Gary Dabansol experienced the full force of Typhoon Yolanda. His village, like many others, was devastated by the typhoon’s winds and storm surges. Homes were destroyed, families were displaced, and the coastline was left exposed to the unforgiving sea. The disaster left the community vulnerable, both physically and emotionally, but as a Yolanda survivor, Gary refused to let the storm define his village’s future.
After witnessing the destruction firsthand, Gary realized that his village had no natural defense against the storm surges that accompanied typhoons. While many focused on rebuilding their homes, Gary was thinking of a more permanent solution: a way to shield his community from future storms.
Planting Hope: The Mangrove Forest
As a Yolanda survivor, Gary was determined to protect his village from another catastrophe. He knew that mangroves, with their complex root systems, could act as natural barriers, reducing the impact of storm surges and preventing coastal erosion. Mangroves are also essential to maintaining marine ecosystems, providing shelter for fish and other sea life. Armed with this knowledge, Gary made it his mission to replant the mangroves that had been destroyed by the storm.
With little experience in environmental work, Gary sought help from local environmental groups, who provided him with mangrove saplings and advice on how to nurture them. Undeterred by the magnitude of the task, Gary began planting mangroves along the shoreline, often working alone. At first, many in the village were skeptical of his efforts. Some viewed planting trees as a low priority compared to rebuilding homes and infrastructure. However, as a Yolanda survivor who had witnessed the full destructive power of the sea, Gary remained committed to his vision of protecting the village through natural defenses.
Overcoming Challenges
Planting the mangrove forest was not an easy task. The soil along the coastline, damaged by Yolanda’s storm surge, was often difficult to work with, and many of the saplings did not survive. But Gary persevered, replanting wherever necessary and expanding the area covered by mangroves. Over time, his dedication paid off. As the trees grew, so did the villagers’ understanding of the importance of Gary’s efforts. Many began to join him in planting and caring for the mangroves, realizing that this forest was not just about trees, but about safeguarding their future.
A Lasting Legacy
Today, the mangrove forest that Gary Dabansol, the Yolanda survivor, planted stands as a living legacy of resilience and foresight. The forest now covers a significant portion of the coastline, acting as a protective buffer against future typhoons. Its dense roots help absorb the energy of storm surges, protecting the village from flooding and erosion. In addition, the mangroves have helped restore local marine life, providing habitats for fish and other species, which has boosted the local fishing economy.
For Gary, the forest is more than just a line of defense—it is a symbol of hope, renewal, and the power of nature to heal both the land and the spirit. His work has inspired others in the region to invest in natural solutions for climate change adaptation, particularly in vulnerable coastal areas.
READ: Typhoon-Resilient Trees: Our First Defense Against Natural Disasters
Continuing the Mission
As a Yolanda survivor, Gary Dabansol’s journey did not end with the planting of the mangrove forest. He continues to advocate for the importance of environmental conservation and disaster preparedness, working with local organizations to educate others on the value of mangroves and other natural defenses. His efforts have been recognized by environmental groups, and his story has become a powerful example of how one individual can drive meaningful change in the face of adversity.
Gary’s work is a reminder that the fight against climate change and natural disasters requires both short-term relief and long-term solutions. By planting a mangrove forest, this Yolanda survivor showed that even in the aftermath of disaster, it is possible to rebuild not just with structures but with nature’s own tools.
Gary Dabansol, the Yolanda survivor who planted a mangrove forest, has left an indelible mark on his village and beyond. His actions have provided a model for how communities can protect themselves from future disasters through natural means. In the face of one of the world’s deadliest storms, Gary chose not only to survive but to thrive, using the power of nature to ensure that his village remains resilient for generations to come. His story is a testament to the enduring strength of the human spirit and the ability of one person to make a lasting difference.