Seed program seeks to propagate the indigenous Tamayuan tree

The government will put up seed sources for the indigenous Tamayuan tree as part of implementing the National Greening Program (NGP) as its wood has important commercial value for construction material despite dwindling supply due to ‘kaingin.’

The Ecosystems Research & Devt. Bureau (ERDB) has labeled Tamayuan as an “individual plus tree” as it is a natural forest stand.

Trees are also eyed to be massively propagated in tree breeding as they have superior phenotype (outward appearance) and are expected to have superior genotype (collection of genes that determine traits).

The traits though have to be tested for actual performance – exceptional growth rate, high wood density, resistance to disease and insect attack, and other environmental factors.

The NGP finds value in massively propagating Tamayuan as it is suitable for planting nationwide, ERDB director Sofio Quintana said.

“Management of seed sources strengthens the implementation of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ National Greening Program,” said Quintana.

Tamayuan is present in Cagayan, Ilocos Norte, Isabela, Bulacan, Bataan, Laguna, Tayabas, Camarines, Sorsogon, Catanduanes, Masbate, Mindoro, and Palawan.

It also grows in Leyte, Samar, Bohol, Negros, and Panay and even in Mindanao provinces.

“It is imperative to conserve the remaining stands of this tree species for genetic diversity as well as for biodiversity,” ERDB foresters Carlito Buante and William Israel said.

Sustainability of this endemic tree species has been threatened by the conversion of forests into agricultural lands through the slash and burn system called kaingin.

Nevertheless, an ERDB inventory showed that 277 Tamayuan trees still stand out of 1,000 individual plus trees.

“It grows well on slopes with fairly deep soil and is shade-tolerant. It is the only commercial tree species in the Philippines under the Family Olacaceae,” the foresters said.

Despite massive urbanization as townsfolk crowd the metropolis, a significant 1215 million Filipinos still depend on forests for their survival and culture.

For foresters, it is a treasure trove of biodiversity and a hope for restoring a fragile yet important tropical forest cover,.

Tamayuan can be used house posts, joists, and rafters, furniture, ax handles, mining props, and railway ties.

The foresters had recommended a program for sustainable forest management for Tamayuan and other tress in Mahagnao Volcano National Park.

Indigenous tree species such as Tamayuan should be used in tree planting which will give equal livelihood opportunities for indigenous people.

The foresters also advised preserving tree germplasm of Tamayuan. This and other rare endemic trees should be planted in new sites with similar characteristics.

People’s organizations must be formed to sustainably manage forests not only as livelihood source but as part of a conservation and germplasm storage program.