Vizcaya launches program to plant wild plants, trees

WILD plant species will soon be a common sight in Nueva Vizcaya with the launching of the provincial government’s rehabilitation and preservation project for forests and watershed areas.

The project called “Plantation Esnursery will be established for the tablishment of Wild Food Plants for propagation of trees and wild food Wildlife” will include the planting plant species. of indigenous species initially in a “Being the watershed haven of 10-hectare forestland area. Cagayan Valley [Region 2], Nueva

The Provincial Environment Vizcaya has been persistent in and Natural Resources Office developing and rehabilitating its - critical watershed,” Tanguilig said. cies of wild trees and plants to Particularly, the provincial govselect from for planting, which ernment is focusing on the preserinclude guava, bignai, kamagong, vation of wild plants at the Lower and katmon, among others.

Forester Tito Tanguilig of PENestablished in Diadi town, some ARO said a seedling production with an area of 1,200 hectares.

Tanguilig said PENARO in its effort to protect watershed areas in the province is partnering with SN

SN Aboitiz owns and operates Power Plant in the border of Isabela and Ifugao provinces.

to become a favorite destination for recreation and relaxation, and

“It also has an important biological conservation area that plays a vital role in the economy, culture, and health of the surrounding communities,” Tanguilig said.

According to PENARO, the ultimate goal of the project is to rehabilitate degraded and unproductive including wild plants for food.

“We have chosen indigenous or native tree and food plant species because of its enticing characteristics to wild animals like birds, which will also restore and increase the wildlife species in the area,” Tanguilig said.

He said birds eat fruits and produce droppings that have seeds, which result in the natural propagation of plants and trees.

“We do not attempt to replicate the original forests but we want to bring back the structure, function, productivity, and species biodiversity of the original forest ecosystem,” Tanguilig added.

He said the three-year project will also provide livelihood to residents living near the watershed areas in San Luis and Bugnay in Diadi town, through seedling production and preparatory activities for the plantation establishment.