Mangrove reforestation has been widely implemented in the Philippines, yet limited information is available on the structural and compositional attributes of natural and planted mangrove forests in Zamboanga Sibugay. This study compared the stand structure, species composition, diversity, and regeneration patterns of natural and planted in selected mangrove forests in the province using the line-quadrat plot method. Results showed that the natural mangrove forest in Siay had higher species diversity, more balanced zonal distribution, and better regeneration structure than the planted mangrove forest in Naga. In contrast, the planted forest was characterized by lower diversity, the absence of seedlings, and dominance by Rhizophora mucronata Poir, indicating a simplified community structure influenced by species selection in reforestation activities. These findings suggest that natural mangrove stands exhibit greater structural complexity and regeneration capacity than planted stands. Therefore, mangrove restoration in Zamboanga Sibugay should prioritize site-suitable native species, natural recruitment, hydrological recovery, and long-term ecological monitoring to improve restoration effectiveness.
