Monday, June 13, 2016

Bacolod City, Philippines

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with ERROL A. GATUMBATO

Native trees,
other plant species
Last week, the news about the establishment of
sakura or a cherry blossom park in Benguet
became viral in the Internet, and it received
negative reactions from the conservation
community.
The cherry blossoms and several other trees from
Japan were planted in Atok, Benguet, to
commemorate the 40 th anniversary of sisterhood
between Japan's Kochi Prefecture and the province of
Benguet. Local officials in Benguet claimed that this park
will boost the tourism in the province, which is known for its
cooler climate since it is situated in highland Luzon.
The project may sound interesting because it will give
opportunity for Filipinos, who could not travel to Japan, to
see the blooming of cherry blossoms, which is no doubt a
fascinating sight. However, this tree species is not native to
the Philippines, and, therefore, it is considered as an exotic
species. The introduction of exotic species in the country is
not new. Numerous exotic trees were introduced in
government's previous and current reforestation projects.
Most popular species planted in reforestation projects are
eucalyptus, gmelina, and mahogany.
The main problem of introducing exotic species is the risk
that they would become invasive species, to the extent of
conquering certain areas to the detriment of local or native
plants. If this situation occurs, native species available in the
area will no longer grow and thrive. In sites where exotic
species are planted, you could hardly see undergrowth and
other plants, like vines or orchids, at the trunk of trees, a
condition that is contrary to our very own tropical kind of
forest.
The invasion of exotic species creates biological pollution,

OPINIONS

especially so that it lessens or even destroys the biological

diversity of areas where these species are planted. In return, it
will deprive benefits that are derived from other native
species, like food plants not only for people, but including
wildlife, too. Many of our native plants are known for their
medicinal and other economical values. As a whole, the
introduction of exotic species will impair the ecology and
natural processes of areas where they exist.
The Philippines is gifted with a variety of native trees and
other plants that are equally or even more beautiful than
cherry blossoms. There was a notion before that native trees,
particularly dipterocarp species, such as our lauaan, apitong,
tangile, and almaciga, among others, are difficult to grow, the
reason why the government and private wood and tree
industries are importing seeds for reforestation. However,
several recent case studies indicate that reforestation using
native species is very feasible and more ecologically
beneficial.
On its official Facebook page, the Philippines Biodiversity
Conservation Foundation Inc. claimed there are currently
9,850 species of plants in the Philippines of which 9,105 taxa
(names including sub-specific ranks) or 8,853 species are
flowering plants (Angiosperm). Of the 9,105 taxa, 93 percent
(8,496) are native to the Philippines with only about 7 percent
(609) are non-native or cultivated. We have more than 8,000
choices of plants and this number may likely increase as more
plants are discovered every year, the PBCFI added.
The uniqueness and diversity of floral species in the
Philippines could not be discounted. Just like our fauna,
several plants are restricted only to a particular area or island.
These island endemic species require protection not only
from deforestation, but as well as from the introduction of
exotic species.
This recent and ongoing discussion on exotic species
reminded me when I was still the Protected Area
Superintendent of the Mount Kanla-on Natural Park in
Negros Island. As the chief operating officer of the
Department of Environment and Natural Resources in the
area, my first policy recommendation to the Protected Area
Management Board was to allow tenured migrant

communities to cut their planted exotic trees.

Although MKNP was long before proclaimed as a national
park, it has never been spared from reforestation of exotic
species, while communities at the periphery of the protected
area also planted the same.
The said policy recommendation was aimed at eradicating
exotic species at the PA, while giving opportunity to
communities to benefit from their planted trees. One of the
conditions in allowing the cutting of exotic trees was the
replacement of five native trees in every tree that was cut.
The policy had, therefore, aimed for three purposes
eradication of exotic species, providing community benefits,
and forest restoration, at the same time.
I am not sure if that regulation is still in effect at this time.
Just the same, it is my opinion that after two decades after
such policy was formulated and approved, it is still
worthwhile and applicable to date, not only in the MKNP but
in some other sites, too. *

Rethink the propagation of Sakura trees in Benguet

Written by Vernie Yocogan-Diano on 17 July 2016.

Who would not be excited to enjoy the sight of cherry blossoms or Sakura trees without
having to go to Japan?
Propagating cherry blossoms in Paoay, Atok in Benguet Province in the name of ecotourism is one project arising from the sisterhood of the Kochi Prefecture and the Province
of Benguet. The initial propagation happened in November 2015 but only a few survived
because they were planted on the wrong time of the year according to botanist Kiyuharu
Yamamoto.
This year, the Sakura trees were planted in the beginning of the rainy season. There are 30
sakura trees and other trees from Japan that were planted in a 100 square meters grassy
lot in Paoay, Atok that is 2,000 meters above sea level.
This is not to kill the joy of the Benguet provincial governments intention in making cherry
blossoms accessible to Benguet folks and local tourists. Before we get so excited, it is
important that we understand the implications of bringing (foreign) species to areas where
they are not endemic. Let us go beyond the aesthetic value and the eco-tourism objective.
As member to the regional advisory committee for Luzon of the Foundation for Philippine
Environment (FPE) that is concerned for the protection of biodiversity and promotes the use
of native/indigenous and endemic species, we raised the following concerns to then
Benguet Governor Fongwan. Cherry blossoms as an introduced or exotic specie might have
ill effects to our biodiversity. The conditions in Paoay, Atok still cannot mimic the natural
climatic conditions and ecological functions needed for the Sakura tree, since we are a
tropical country with defined wet and dry seasons.
In addition, exotic species have the potential of becoming invasive which might alter and
disturb various ecological process in the area such as nutrient and hydrological cycles,
which in turn affects soil and holding capacity, groundwater and recharge area, and
humidity. As such, ecological imbalance might be manifested and will affect the diversity and
existence of life in the area.
Forest expert and dean of the forestry department of Benguet State University Kenneth
Laruan commented on the need for an environmental impact study that shall focus on the
bio-ecology, socio-economic and related aspects of the area where the species will be
introduced (Lapniten, Baguio Chronicle). He further mentioned that Sakura trees may adapt
to the local environment but may bloom later than the expected 3 years. Similar to the

concern of FPE, Laruan explained the concern for allelopathic effects to protect the native
species. Allelopathy is a process that allows a tree to produce biochemicals that influence
the germination, growth, survival and reproduction of other organisms around it.
Allelochemicals may have either beneficial or detrimental effects. Laruan also presented
that the Benguet government should seek the Free Prior Informed Consent (FPIC) of the
communities affected.
For a meaningful FPIC process, it is crucial to present affected communities the scientific
discussions on the introduction of exotic species.
FPE also referred to Section 13 of Republic Act 9147 or the Wildlife Resources
Conservation and Protection Act that no exotic species shall be introduced in the country,
unless a specific clearance from the Secretary or the authorized representative is first
obtained. Further, no exotic species shall be introduced into protected areas covered by RA
No. 7586 and to critical habitats. Paoay is under Mt. Data National Park which covers 5,512
hectares covering parts of Benguet and Mountain Province.
The Benguet government plans to propagate cherry blossoms in Mt. Timbac and Mt. Pulag
which are also key bio-diversity sites and in other sites in the province. In the light of the
abovementioned concerns, the provincial government is urged to conduct the environmental
impact assessment including the species suitability based on phenological event of the
cherry blossoms vis--vis our climate seasons. Phenological timing fluctuates based on
climatic conditions.
On the objective of eco-tourism, the Provincial Government should instead protect its
remaining forests and biodiversity areas and propagate more native trees which the
province is rich in. This is what should excite the regional Department of Environment and
Natural Resources (DENR) and the Department of Tourism (DOT) instead of investing on
false hopes that Sakura trees in Benguet will become a tourist attraction