Endangered PH native tree species are now safe at SU-EDC BINHI Arboretum

MINERVA BC NEWMAN

VALENCIA, Negros Oriental – Silliman University (SU) and Energy Development Corporation (EDC) agreed to establish the newest BINHI arboretum inside the Center for Tropical Conservation Studies (CENTROP) at the university’s field laboratory grounds in Palinpinon, Valencia, Negros Oriental called SU-EDC BINHI Arboretum to provide a safe haven for the long-term survival of the endangered Philippine native trees.

Both parties planted 100 seedlings of endangered Philippine tree species like banuyo, ipil, taba, baguilombang, yakal, lisok-lisok, malakatmon, basilan-yakal, quisumbing gisok, red lauan, kamagong ponce, bagtikan, duguan, narra, kamagong, molave,bagawak-morado inside the SU-EDC BINHI Arboretum on March 30, 2022.

Prof. Jane Annette Belarmino, SU Vice President for Development, Enterprises, and External Affairs said, the arboretum helps strengthen SU’s instruction, research, and extension programs, specifically on conservation biology.

“Because of shared vision and goals, SU very much appreciates EDC’s collaboration and expertise in developing the area for an arboretum of endangered and premium endemic Philippine trees,” Belarmino said.

Norreen Bautista, EDC Corporate Social Responsibility head for Negros said, the kickoff tree-planting activity is part of the International Day of Forests celebration observed every March 21 and she asked everyone to take a serious look at the way people value forests, “not just a source of raw materials but a means of absorbing carbon and helping sustain life on the planet,” she added.

Bautista said the planted seedlings are premium species. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) defines premium tree species as species whose wood has special characteristics, such as strength, durability, beauty, scarcity, and rarity, or is used for special purpose.

Ariel dela Cruz, EDC watershed management officer said, the planted seedlings are of species that are commonly found in Dipterocarp forests which are dominated by Dipterocarp species.

Reforestation wherein only native tree species in the Philippines such as Dipterocarp species are planted is a concept defined by DENR as “rain-forestation.” The aim of rain-forestation is to preserve biodiversity and expand Philippine forests and simultaneously sustain human food production, Dela Cruz explained.

Dela Cruz said EDC provided the seedlings which were grown from EDC’s Vegetative Material Reproduction (VMR) nursery for 6 to 8 months.

Each seedling has a tag with information about the species and where planters can write their name.  Some tags also have a QR code that, when scanned, will lead to a page on the BINHI website with information about the species including where it has been planted.

In future tree-planting activities in the Arboretum, Dela Cruz said EDC plans to enable planters to track the status of their planted seedlings through the BINHI “Communitree” an online platform and database of trees planted by EDC and its partner organizations. (Photos: SU/EDC)