Arboretum

It is hope that this planned arboretum and leisure Park will open up interest for other people to
cultivate and awareness for the environment and rainforests of Northern Mindanao, and for Mindanao
as a whole. It can also serve as an educational site for students and other groups to visit in order to
study or observe the existence of native and indigenous rainforest species that are unique only in the
province of Misamis Oriental.1 Not only that, the project aims to create a hidden mossy forest to attract
tourist and also younger generation. This is most important especially for the younger generation who
need more awareness on the further preservation and protection of the country’s rainforests and tree
species that greatly contribute to the natural ecosystem.2

All forests in our country play a very important part in the overall ecosystem of the whole
country, and not just for Mindanao. As many people would use an overused cliché, “we need to start
with small things,” the formation of this arboretum is actually a big step, and hopefully, our natural
forests will transcend beyond this 10-hectare arboretum.

Planting and preserving trees can play a significant role in helping to mitigate the effects of a
changing climate by reducing storm water runoff, removing pollutants from the air and shading
buildings to cut energy use. The shade trees also can reduce the additional heat that accumulates in
paving and buildings, known as "urban heat island effect."3

Will serve as a learning and training facility for students, teachers, eco-tourists, and members of
other sectors of society.

Constant tree-cutting in the vicinities of Northern Mindanao region has led to the massive
flooding that submerged Cagayan de Oro City and nearby areas by the great typhoon Sendong last
December 19, 2011, many people have lost their life, families and houses that lead to traumatic
experience.

1
Department of Natural Resources, Region 10 (DENR-Region X)
2
Monisha Bajaj 2009
3
Patti MacMillan (The Morton Arboretum)