Native trees in Ecija; arboretum in Cebu

Geothermal leader Energy Development Corp. (EDC) has partnered with non-government organization Philippine Permaculture Association (PPA) to protect and propagate 21 rare and threatened native tree species in Nueva Ecija.

Under EDC’s BINHI program, 152 seedlings from these species were planted in the premises of Cabiokid Foundation Inc., a 13-hectare permaculture development site and integrated farm that serves as PPA’s demo farm. Some of the species planted include yakal-saplungan, yakal-malibato, malabayabas, betis, apunan, pianga, kamagong, kamagong ponce, ipil, tindalo and supa. These species have dwindled in number in the wild and are no longer familiar to the younger generations.

The PPA promotes knowledge on permaculture for sustainable agriculture. Permaculture is the practice of integrating people and the environment to create diverse, stable and resilient agricultural systems. It comes from the combination of the words “permanent” and “agriculture.”

Meanwhile, premium Philippine native tree species such as narra, mangkono and molave will soon be grown and propagated in Cebu City, thanks to the BINHI arboretum that EDC has recently inaugurated in the University of San Carlos (USC) campus in Talamban.

The arboretum was put up in partnership with USC and Knowles Electronics Corp., which have both committed to ensure the sustainability of this initiative in line with their dedication to environmental conservation.

BINHI is EDC’s forest restoration and biodiversity preservation program that aims to save endangered premium Philippine timber tree species by planting their seedlings in school grounds, public parks and other areas that provide a safe haven for the long-term survival of the future mother trees.

As part of the agreement, USC’s campus in Talamban will host a permanent designated area for premium and threatened Philippine tree species, supported by planting and promotional activities as well as funding from Knowles.

EDC will provide the seedlings along with technical assistance for the protection and maintenance of the trees, including labelling and scientific monitoring. This is EDC’s 11th arboretum since 2008.

As of 2018, BINHI has identified and rescued 96 species of prime and endangered Philippine hardwood. It has raised 175,685 seedlings in central and satellite nurseries, distributed and planted across 3,214 hectares with the help of its 173 partner organizations and 88 farmer’s associations.