PCARRD-DOST funds Gmelina project in Region 2

The Department of Science and Technology’s (DOST) agricultural science council will soon coor-dinate a project to address the ex-tent, distribution, and current har-vestable and yearly available volume of yemane (Gmelina arborea) in Region 2.

This project by DOST’s Philippine Council for Agricul-ture, Forestry and Natural Resour-ces Research and Development (PCARRD) will gather informa-tion, which can assist the various wood-based industries to come up with well-informed decisions in raw material sustainability.

A team from the Department of Environment and Natural Resour-ces (DENR) and Palacian Econo-mic Development Association, Inc. (PEDAI) will conduct the survey and inventory of yemane plantations in Isabela, Quirino, and Nueva Vizcaya.

DENR, through the Ecosys-tems Research and Development Services, will mobilize field offices to gather information. PEDAI will provide the prescribed format and requisite information, assist in its planned operation, and validate information supplied by DENR.

Yemane is considered one of the best wood materials for light construction, furniture making, veneering and plywood, particle-board, pulp and papermaking, toothpicks, and tool handles for common household materials.

An exotic species, yemane is fast growing and fairly resistant to grassfire. It is widely used by DENR to reforest unproductive and denuded lands. – Leila C. America, S&T Media Service