THE GOVERNMENT hopes to offer seed for the Tamayuan tree (Strombosia philippinensis) to reduce slash-and-burn agriculture and to supply wood to the construction industry, the Ecosystems Research & Development Bureau (ERDB) said on Sunday.
The establishment of seed sources is part of the National Greening Program (NGP) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).
“The NGP finds value in massively propagating Tamayuan as it is sustainable for planting nationwide. Management of seed sources strengthens implementation of the DENR’s National Greening Program,” ERDB Director Sofio B. Quintana said in a statement.
According to ERDB, Tamayuan is found in Cagayan, Ilocos Norte, Isabela, Bulacan, Bataan, Laguna, Quezon Province, the Camarines provinces, Sorsogon, Catanduanes, Masbate, Mindoro, Palawan, Leyte, Samar, Bohol, Negros, Panay, and parts of Mindanao.
In Mahagnao Volcano National Park in Leyte the species has been known to grow as high as 30 meters. It is a tropical lowland variety used for house posts, joists and rafters, furniture, ax handles, mining props, and railway ties.
ERDB Foresters Carlito R. Buante and Willian P. Israel said that “it is imperative to conserve the remaining stands of this tree species for genetic diversity as well as for biodiversity.”
“Seed sources… are potential sources of planting materials for reforestation and forest rehabilitation. These will improve forest stand quality and structure and increase in biomass as well as wood yield,” they added.
The ERDB noted that planting more of this tree will provide livelihood opportunities for indigenous people. — Reicelene Joy N. Ignacio

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