Mangrove Afforestation Project Vol.6 (Aired on May 30, 2025) ~ Protecting the Health of Many Islanders at the Only Clinic on the Island

"Weekly Kurashiki Happy Radio" is broadcast every Friday from 3 PM to 7 PM.

In the segment called "Mangrove Planting Project," the program's MC, Charlie Otani, actually travels to the Philippines to report on the local mangroves and the planting activities.

kanepackage Inc. cooperates with us. Under the guidance of the Philippine Department of Environment and Natural Resources, FM Kurashiki has started activities to plant mangroves!

This article introduces the 6th Mangrove Planting Project, which was broadcast on May 30, 2025.

This article is a contribution by FM Kurashiki. It has been edited and published by the Haretoco General Incorporated Association editorial team.

Mangrove Planting Project

The Mangrove Planting Project that FM Kurashiki is working on.

To prevent the reduction of mangroves, which play an important role in protecting coastlines and maintaining ecosystems, we are working in collaboration with kanepackage Inc. (hereinafter referred to as "kanepackage").

On Olango Island in the Philippines, approximately 15 million mangroves have been planted (as of 2025).

To plant such a large number of mangroves, the cooperation of local residents is essential.

In the past, there were no medical facilities on Olango Island, and the only way to receive treatment was to travel to a hospital on a nearby island. However, now a clinic has been established on the island, protecting the lives and health of many islanders, especially children. We visited the hospital and childcare facility that were created through the planting project.

Donations for the Clinic that Saves Lives

We visited the SAN VICENTE HEALTH CENTER located in the San Vicente district.

This is the only medical facility on Olango Island, donated by kanepackage Inc., which is involved in mangrove planting. Tessei shared the story of how this clinic came to be.

Tessei

The topic of local healthcare came up during the COVID-19 pandemic. During the pandemic, the people of Olango Island lost their jobs, and a project was launched to "make organic soap using natural materials from Olango Island." The soap produced was used in resort hotels in Cebu, and we supported everyone so they could make a living.

While advancing this organic soap project, local residents expressed concerns about healthcare, saying, "There is no hospital on the island, so if we get sick, we have to go to a hospital on another island" and "We can't afford to go to the hospital." In response to these concerns, we decided to renovate an old building next to the soap-making base and donate it as a clinic.

At the San Vicente Health Center, doctors come several times a week. Basic examinations such as blood tests and urine tests can be conducted, allowing for the prevention of serious illnesses through initial examinations.

There have been many cases saved by the establishment of the San Vicente Health Center. A 10-year-old boy with severe cataracts and a 1-year-old boy with a large tumor on his knee were able to receive appropriate examinations and surgeries on the island. Even in cases where patients cannot afford surgery, they are connected to hospitals where they can receive free surgery with government assistance.

The only clinic on Olango Island, born from the project. We want to continue supporting local healthcare that is close to the lives of the islanders.

Establishment of a Nursery School that Nurtures the Future

Next, we headed to the first nursery school in the San Vicente district. Upon arriving at the nursery school, the children warmly welcomed us.

Children welcoming us at the nursery school

Until now, there was no nursery school in the San Vicente district, and many people said, "I can't go to work because I have to take care of the children."

Therefore, in collaboration with someone who could provide a location, kanepackage constructed a new childcare facility.

Tessei

At first, there were only a few children, but when the locals were happy to have a place to leave their children, they started bringing more and more kids. Thanks to this, now more than 70 children come to the nursery school.

At the nursery school, the children play and study, and seeing everyone's smiles makes me feel it was worth building.

We often say, "When you grow up, come work for our company (kanepackage)!"

The children who were present during the interview reportedly waited for us without leaving.

Surrounded by the bright smiles of the children, we left the nursery school.

I realize that local healthcare and childcare support are indispensable in life. To protect nature for the long term, it is necessary to continue to safeguard the safe lives of local residents.

Conclusion

FM Kurashiki participates in the United Nations' initiative "SDG Media Compact," clarifying the connections between the programs it broadcasts and the 17 goals outlined in the Sustainable Development Goals, and is committed to promoting sustainable development goals.

The Mangrove Planting Project is also a program based on the SDG Media Compact and is still ongoing.

For guests of "Weekly Kurashiki Happy Radio" who arrive by car, we plant one tree for each vehicle.

Additionally, if you purchase a badge for 500 yen, we plant one tree for each badge sold. As of February 2025, we have sold 80 badges!

We will continue to deliver useful information to the local community.