DENR 7: Protect pre-war reforested area in Siquijor

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources in Central Visayas is calling for the protection of the 202.15-hectare pre-war reforestation project in Barangay Salagdoong in Maria, Siquijor.

DENR-7 regional executive director Dr. Isabelo Montejo said the agency needs the support of the communities to help in the protection of this environmental treasure.

Established in 1937, the reforestation site is one of the oldest in the country. About 60 percent or 121.29 hectares of its total land area are planted to molave tree species or Vitex parviflora. The rest are covered by other types of species-- Lumbang or Aleurites moluccana, Talisay or Terminalia catappa, and Bogo or Garuga floribunda Decne.

Meanwhile, more than 100 seedlings of various rare medicinal tree species were planted during the tree planting held recently within the 244-hectare Mt. Bandilaan Nature Park. The activity was participated in by DENR Siquijor personnel and members of the Kantabon Herbalist Association.

Among the medicinal plants that they planted are five species of "pahauling kahoy," "tabong-hangin" and "tagnipas".

Straddling the towns of Lazi and Siquijor, the protected area shelters endemic fauna and flora.

A total of 30 hectares were planted by mangroves in Barangay Lomangcapan in Enrique Villanueva with a project cost of P700,000 through the Integrated Coastal Resources Management of DENR.

The said project is awarded to Lomangcapan United Fisherfolks Association to undertake the mangrove plantation.

In the face of the deleterious effects of climate change, Montejo noted the importance of trees to capture carbon dioxide emissions.

"We want to draw partnership with all national government agencies, local government units, government owned and controlled corporations, including state colleges and universities to harness maximum participation through their personnel complement in pursuing the green program," he concluded. - PIA — ARA