MSPB: Alive and greening at 34

MANILA, Philippines - To celebrate its 34th anniversary, Manila Seedling Bank Foundation, Inc. (MSBFI) has unveiled a new program to expand the production of native/indigenous and endemic forest tree species in support with the national greening program of the government to mitigate the effect of global warming. The production of native or indigenous and endemic species, notably dipterocarp species (such as yakal, red lauan, nareg, apitong, and other hardwood forest trees such as pili, antipolo, bagras, zapote, kamagong, bignay, bitaog, balitbitan, bani, banato, katmon, kalumpit, dita, dungon, kamachile, dao, ipil, maladuhat, and supa) is a commitment of MSBF to remain eco-friendly and green after 34 years of its existence

In 1977, MSBF operated the first modern forest nursery in the country right in the heart of Quezon City to cater to the needs of the government and the citizenry. It has risen above the challenges of the time — from seedling production, reforestation, and plantation development to the development of agro forestry/tree farms, tree pruning/trimming, composting, and charcoal making. It has also expanded its seed center, consultancy, and research services to help alleviate poverty by providing livelihood in urban and rural communities.

The key persons in the quantum growth and expansion of MSBFI are the managerial, marketing and production experts from the senior staff, supported by technical and administrative experts. MSBFI has expanded progressively to live up to its vision for sustainable development of our natural resources and protection of the environment. As it looks forward to more years, MSBFI aims to continue and expand the following programs:

MSBFI specializes on tree and stump removal and earth-balling big trees, which is done by professionals.

• Reforestation and plantation development. MSBFI pioneered in the early 1980s the “nurse-climax tree” technology in reforesting open-denuded and grasslands. MSBFI has successfully reforested thousands of hectares of open-denuded grasslands in Luzon and has contracted for reforestation several thousands of hectares.

• Agroforestry and tree farming. Several landowners in the provinces of Batangas, Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, and Pangasinan were able establish agroforestry and/or tree farms by planting fruit trees like mango and forest trees with the help of MSBFI. The fruit trees are now bearing fruits and the forest trees are now fully established.

• Continuous production of forest and fruit tree seedlings and saplings. MSBFI concentrated not only on the production of forest and fruit tree seedlings and saplings but also big-sized flowering trees like fire tree, Palawan cherry, golden shower, and palosanto for urban and roadside planting. Moreover, grafted and budded fruit trees like mango, calamansi, chico, rambutan, and durian are available at reasonable prices. A newly introduced fruit tree called abio, currently being propagated, will be available for sale soon. It is sweeter than a star apple and not sticky.

• Tree pruning/trimming activities. Pruning is the most common procedure in tree care and maintenance. Landscape trees or trees in urban areas require a high level of care to maintain their safety, health, and aesthetics. The trimming of trees is done to prevent further damage by typhoons. This pruning technique is sometimes referred to as the “hurricane cut”.

The year 2011 is a boom year for tree pruning/trimming. The usual two pruning crews have increased to six to cater the requests for tree pruning/trimming in Metro Manila. Private landowners, subdivision owners, memorial gardens are mostly serviced by MSBFI. Pruning/trimming is done by MSBFI professionals who are highly trained tree pruners equipped with complete equipment and safety paraphernalia. To boost its professionalism and competitiveness, MSBFI has been registered and certified by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA). Being an ISA member, MSBFI is regularly receiving new information and techniques on tree pruning. This makes MSBFI a “pioneer member” of ISA outside United States of America and Canada.

• Charcoal making and composting. Charcoal making is one of the other regular activities done by MSBFI. The materials used in charcoal making are branches of pruned trees. The small branches and leaves are chipped and converted into compost. At present, there are three Brazilian-type charcoal kilns being operated by MSBFI with an average total capacity of 2,850 sacks of charcoal every year. About 14 tons of compost are produced annually. The compost mixture is primarily sawdust, chicken manure, and chipped small branches and leaves. The compost is analyzed by the Bureau of Soils and Management, Quezon City to determine its nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium (NPK) content.   Charcoal production has given additional incentives to the nursery personnel. Thirty percent of the income derived from charcoal sales is given to them in the form of mid-year and end-year bonuses.

• Tree and stump removal and earth-balling big trees. Tree and stump removal is very critical in urban areas, especially in public places, inside private lots, subdivisions, and gardens. MSBFI specializes in tree and stump removal, which is done by professionals especially when the interest of public welfare and safety is involved or the tree poses danger to lives and property. For special occasions, big trees can be earth-balled and transplanted to another site instead of cutting the tree.

Tree pruning/trimming of forest trees inside a Village to prevent storm damage.

• Environmental garden centers. MSBFI is set to maintain its prestige as first-class environmental center not only in the Philippines but also in Southeast Asia. The environmental garden center houses several garden centers — a group of nursery outlets which sells rare and collector’s plants like orchids, anthurium, hibiscus, and euphorbia; a large-scale landscaping depot and wholesaler of imported and local cut flowers. Some famous garden centers include King Louis Flowers and Plants from Baguio City; Bulacan Garden Corporation, Purification Orchids; Vic’s Orchids and Ornamentals; Puentespina Orchids and Tropical Plants of Davao; Baguio Growers Intl. Marketing; Lambana Tropical Garden; Malvarosa Ventures, Nature’s Roots Garden; and Pocang’s Garden , to name a few. Green 2000 is a wholesaler of garden supplies and a landscaping depot; a collection of culinary, medicinal, and other herbs available at reasonable prices. More, Serafin Metilla has a collection of rare bonsai plants. Several small garden centers are housed in one of the greenhouses and converted into a mass-based tiangge that sells ornamentals and other plants at relatively low prices.

• Seed center. One important project benefiting a lot of garden enthusiasts, including farmers. is the seed center where one can buy good quality forest and agricultural seeds and flowering plants at affordable costs. The seeds are available throughout the year for local planting and for export.

• Consultancy, research, and other services.

Over the years, MSBFI has offered consultancy and research services in planning, developing nursery and plantation technology, agro forestry and tree farm, tree care and maintenance, balling and transplanting big trees, and construction of a greenhouse. MSBFI also conducts hands-on training courses and workshops on nursery and plantation development, tree pruning/trimming to government and non-government agencies, local landowners, and participants from abroad.

Through continuous research, MSBFI has improved a composting process using an organic activator to shorten the decomposition period and production of compost in three to five weeks. Nursery and plantation techniques have greatly improved.

Plant enthusiasts can also attend regular lectures on urban gardening, bonsai and landscaping 

For further information on the activities of MSBFI, visit its website www.msbfi.com. You can also visit MSBFI office at Quezon Avenue corner EDSA, Diliman. Quezon City. Call 924-0166 and 924-7001/02; e-mail qualitytrees@msbfi.com