DENR-7 to establish arboretum for endemic trees

CEBU, Philippines - Implementing its National Greening Program for this year, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-7 is going to establish a two-hectare arboretum in Barangay Inayagan, Naga City, Cebu.

DENR-7 director Dr. Isabelo R. Montejo said the planting of native/endemic trees that best thrive in a specific region/province/municipality and showcasing the site-matching requisite would reinforce significant milestone for NGP.

The project has an allocated budget of P269,280.

Arboretum is a collection of living specimen for scientific studies, conservation of genetic resources, learning area for dendrology and for the study of phenology, and the reproductive biology of species.

Montejo in a statement said that it serves as showcase of important economic plants in a particular place as major sources of food, building materials, clothing and medicines of the indigenous/local communities. 

PENRO Cebu headed by Jose Cleo Cary Colis shall be responsible for the implementation and monitoring of the different activities with the coordination of MATIMCO Incorporated and Barangay Inayagan officials.

They will be using the species measuring at least three meters in height and must be planted in five meters by five meters distance for a total of 800 saplings.

The said arboretum involves major activities such as site validation assessment planning and mapping, procurement of planting materials, site preparation, planting and maintenance and protection.  (FREEMAN)