To propagate 50,000 palosapis and bitaog seedlings
Integrated Agricultural Development through its Hilly Land Agro-Forestry Project in Piddig, Ilocos Norte supports the Environmental Management Program of Northwestern University.
IAD will propagate seedlings of Palosapis (Anisoptera thurifera) and Bitaog (Calophyllum inophyllum) aim at producing 50,000 seedlings of the two species to support the Executive Order No. 26 otherwise known as National Greening Program (NGP) of the country.
The Hilly Land Agro-Forestry Project of IAD was conceptualized to generate income to finance other similar undertakings. The project is located in a 21-hectare lot in Piddig.
The presence of more than a thousand duhat tress and about a hundred of palosapis indicates the suitability of propagation of seedlings of native species in the area.
The university has made its commitment to construct 3.5 m x 10 m nursery shed in Piddig to facilitate production of these species and to uphold the objectives of the NGP – poverty reduction, food security, biodiversity conservation and climate change mitigation and adaptation.
Palosapis, known as Philippine Mahogany, belongs to the family Dipterocarpaceae and is included in the Lauan Groups. On the other hand, Bitaog, which belongs to Calophyllacea family, is a popular ornamental plant while its wood is used for construction and boat building and luxury furniture.
“The seeds yield oil for fuel,” Dr. Pablo Bayan Jr, the IAD Director, said.
He added that its wood is hard and strong and it is used by farmers as cartwheel hubs.
“During Japanese period, the oil from seed are used as fuel for lamp, Bayan Jr. said.
Palosapis and Bitaog are native species in the Philippines unlike popular species such as Mahogany, Eucalyptus and Gmelina (Paper tree) which were introduced species or originated from other countries. Recognizing the significance of propagating the native species and to prevent them from becoming extinct, the PENRO, Ilocos Norte recommended these two species to support the National Greening Program (NGP).
