Centennial Trees: Our Silent Witnesses

CEBU, Philippines - Most people would love to pass through a road with huge trees towering above them. Take for example the century-old trees that line some portions of Carcar City’s highways. Why do many people oppose the move to cut them down to make way for a road-widening project?

A balikbayan may say that it warms her heart to see them as she drives down south. Others may say that it adds aesthetic value to the city. And still others would have profound memories of playing under those trees during their childhood.

Centennial trees may have been neglected because no one could testify for their being there. Or, they may be too old, rotting or dying to be noticed.

They have already witnessed battles, wars, calamities, worsening environmental pollution, and man’s vandalism and yet remained silent and survived them all.

“These trees should be part of our records,” said Rowena Bandola-Alensonorin, executive drector for Integrated Development of the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. “Considering their ecological, cultural and historical relevance, these trees should be conserved and preserved. They are the silent witnesses of our country’s past, present, and future. Trees always complement a town or city, no matter how big or progressive it may be.”

Even Governor Gwendolyn Garcia said that we lose part of our history if these centennial trees are to be cut down.

Under the Expanded Green and Wholesome Environment that Nurtures Our Cebu Program implemented by RAFI and the Cebu Provincial Government to create a livable Cebu, a local government unit can earn corresponding merits under the culture and heritage aspect if it can identify and preserve historical and cultural-relevant items, such as centennial trees.

LGUs must also be vigilant in protecting these centennial trees. Unnecessary and/or unauthorized destruction, damage or injury to these trees is strictly prohibited.

Centennial trees can also be a potential tourist attraction. Some LGUs are now offering tour packages that include rides to these centennial trees and even include storytelling about the tree.

A century-old tree has an estimated value of P16 million based on factors of its ability to produce oxygen, control air pollution, prevent soil erosion, and increase soil fertility, recycled water, and providing homes to animals.

The GREENIN Philippines Program of RAFI is currently conducting an inventory of centennial trees in Cebu. You can help in this initiative by reporting centennial trees in your area to RAFI forester Maximo Palen at (032) 418-7234 local 515, or email him at [email protected]. This will enable the Program to take necessary actions for the protection and conservation of these trees. (FREEMAN)