volume 27 no. 1 january - february 2001 issn-0115-0960...

c a n o p y I N T E R N A T I O N A L

Volume 27 No. 1 January - February 2001 ISSN-0115-0960

Published by the Ecosystems Research and Development Bureau, Department of Environment and Natural Resources

All articles are incumbent to the current period.

What’s inside . . .

Tikog weaving in a cave 2

Controlling soil erosion with vetiver grass 3

Off the Press December 2003

Editorial

Heeding Nature’s Cry: R.A. 9147

T he Philippines has been described by an international group of conservationists as the hottest of the 25 so-called biodiversity hotspots in the world. Perhaps, rightly so, for after all, the Pearl of the Orient Seas

has already lost 97% of its original vegetation and has more critically- endangered wildlife than any other country. Hotspots are areas with the least number of species existing; the least number of species found in an exclusive ecosystem; and an alarming high degree of threat these species face. According to the recently-released Red List of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) based in Switzerland, the country’s flora and fauna face a precarious future. Of the 11,046 endangered and extinct plant and animal species documented in 112 countries, 9% or 932 are in the Philippines. As recorded, the country has 387 threatened species, the world’s fourth highest, after three other Asian countries — Malaysia with 805 species, Indonesia, 763 and India, 459. With regard to extinct and endangered plants/animals, the Philippines heads the list in Southeast and South Asia, and is second in the world after Africa. The country has 227 extinct or endangered plants and 318 extinct or endangered animals. Some of the threatened species are the Philippine eagle, considered the rarest and the second largest eagle in the world; the Mindoro crocodile which is almost extinct but is now recovering because of help from captive-breeding programs and conservation measures; and the three-striped box turtle which is being hunted down for use in traditional medicine. In the face of such seemingly grim scenario, nature groans and moans and cries out for help! Its cry is so loud and clear that it reverberates through decades, resounding as it crosses all borders of time and space, class and culture, that it is not that easy to ignore it. The Philippine government, hearing nature’s cry, has promptly taken the cudgel via Republic Act No. 9147 known as the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act. Its objectives are to conserve and protect wildlife species and their habitats to promote ecological balance and enhance biological diversity; regulate the collection and trade of wildlife; pursue, with due regard to the national interest, the Philippine commitment to international conventions. page 11

Cloning dipterocarps through nonmist technique 4

Trees in nonwood land: Potential for sustainable development 5

A cursory look on reforestation in the Philippines 6

Some notes on forest plantation development in the Philippines 7

Demand for herbal medicine in the Philippines 8

Ficus callosa : A promising species for livelihood 9

Earthwatch 12

Tikog weaving in a cave Aida B. Lapis, Manolito U. Sy and Alvin A. Faraon

I n a depressed province like Samar, where livelihood is essential, there thrives a cottage industry that has

been handed down from generation to generation. This is the tikog (Fimbristilys globulosa Retz.) mat weaving or “lara” in the native Waraynon. Mat weaving is a special activity among the women of Barangay Basiao, Basey, Samar. It is common throughout the municipality of Basey. One unique feature of this “backbreaking” pastime among women of different ages is that the weaving is done in a cave known as Saob. The Saob Cave is mythical, according to the weavers of Samar. It is believed to be an ancient burial cave. In fact, at the cave where an altar was also built, some pieces of old plates and earthen wares were piled at a corner as proof that these things were also buried in the cave together with the dead. According to Barangay Kagawad (Councilor) Nestor Grabillo, the cave also serves as venue for people with “extraordinary powers” to renew their strengths specially during the Lenten season. Clinging on the walls of the caves were bats, apparently waiting for darkness to come in time for their search for food. The Basayanons, as the local natives are called, are noted mat weavers using the sedge called “tikog”, a member of the plant family Cyperaceae. Since the plant is not available in their barangay, the skilled weavers have to buy the raw materials in Tacloban City (Leyte), about 23 km away, at P100 per bundle. The tikog stalk has good dyeing properties making it easy to prepare for weaving with varied striking colors using commercial dyes. Designs like the San Juanico Bridge, the famous infrastructure linking the island provinces of Leyte and Samar, are woven into the mats or even on wall decors for souvenir purposes.

Interestingly, some women Bsayanons are seen weaving under a solid rock adjacent the cave-chapel. With some of their children observing or also doing their own weaving (no wonder the art lives on), the elder women showed their skills in weaving and in coming up with colorful and finely woven mats. In a week, one could finish a mat with the size of 1 m x 2.5 m which could be sold at P150-350, depending on the size and design. From this meager income, a weaver could already buy some foodstuff for the family. Weaving seems to be just a hobby to them, unmindful of the ache after several hours of seating on the ground with heads and backs leaned towards their wares. The rather cozy temperature (a lot cooler than when you are out of the shade) under

One thing that also caught our attention was the presence of palauan [Cyrtosperma merkush (Hassk.) Schott.] leaves (a member of the gabi family, Araceae) placed over the mat being woven by one of the women. When asked why, she quickly answered “to make the tikog stalks softer to weave and to have a smoother finish. The leaves also help prevent the tikog strips from drying quickly”. According to the CENRO-Basey, these women were among those who produced the longest mat (about 1,000 m) which was woven for more than a month in 2002. In fact, this was featured by Senator Noli de Castro in his TV program, Magandang Gabi Bayan, and was submitted to the Guinness Book of World Records. Tikog mats are in the export market as well as in the domestic outlets. The quality of mats is excellent (soft, smooth and durable). The demand for this product remains high as evidenced by

the continuing production of the commodity. The cottage industry should be encouraged and supported by the local government in Basey for the upliftment of the socioeconomic condition of the populace, particularly the skilled weavers thereat. Basey should venture in producing its own raw materials to reduce transport cost of the material which is yet to be bought from Leyte Province. The quality of woven materials should be also upgraded and a variety of other products to optimize use of materials should be looked into to add more value to the products and justly compensate the labor and inherent artwork of the

weavers. This livelihood can effect improvement in the social status of the weavers and their immediate dependents while maintaining an artistry inherent among the people of Basiao, Basey, Samar.

2 CANOPY International January - February 2001

Some women (with children) weaving inside the Saob Cave in Basiao, Basey, Samar.

the cove where they were weaving may also explain their relaxation while doing their chores. The eight woman-weavers were all sitting on the mats they were working on. When asked if a table could make their work easier, they disagreed. They said their sitting position is the proper way because their feet, buttock, or their overall body weight helps press down or flatten the mat as it is being woven. A stone is also placed over the mat to keep it steady and pressed flat to the ground.

The first and second authors are Supervising Science Research Specialists and the third author is Science Research Assistant of the ERDB.

January - February 2001 CANOPY International 3

Controlling soil erosion with vetiver grass Wellington Z. Rosacia and Rhodora M. Rimando

S oil erosion is considered as the most chronic environmental and economic burden in the world. It is

viewed as the greatest environmental problem in the Philippines today. The extent of the erosion problem in the Philippines is estimated to be 100,000 ha of soil washed into the sea every year. It was observed that bulk of erosion came from areas used for extensive agriculture (Del Castillo, et al., 1994). Vetiver grass: Vegetative hedgerow against soil erosion One of the best and most effective methods of controlling soil erosion is the vegetative hedgerow. This filters and retains the soil. It is inexpensive and easy to implement/establish. It offers economic value such as feed or raw materials for perfume-making and handicrafts, etc. (Syahrul and Sudrajat, 1998). It also builds up natural terraces. Grass species recommended by Baconguis, et al. (1982) as vegetative hedgerows to control erosion are: napier grass (Pennisetum purpureum), guinea grass (Panicum maximum), paragrass (Brachiaria mutica), pangola grass (Digitaria decumbens), kikuyu (Pennisetum clandestinum), signal grass (Brachiaria decumbens) and vetiver grass (Vetiveria zizanioides). Vetiver seems to be the best of these grasses, especially in maintaining a line of close, neat and intact hedgerows. Brief description Vetiver grass is a densely-tufted, awnless, wiry, glabrous, perennial grass (RISE, 1993). It has no rhizome or stolon. The plant grows in large clumps from multiple-branched rootstock with erect culm, 0.5-1.5 m high. The leaf blades are relatively stiff, 75 cm long, 8 mm wide, glabrous but rough along the edges. Panicles are 15-30 cm long, narrow, acute and flattened, laterally with short, sharp spines. The fibrous, vertical descending root system can grow up to 2 m or longer.

Characteristics of vetiver Used as hedgerow, vetiver is neat, compact, with good active culms and has no dead centers (Yoon, 1998). Only with such a good hedgerow could soil-wash be effectively trapped. It was proven more effective in preventing soil erosion than the normal turfing. Vetiver can also trap significant amount of eroded soil. Its crown climbs as trapped soil accumulates. This self-adjustment mechanism ensures that the hedgerow is not buried. Vetiver grows taller as the silt builds up on the slope due to the formation of new tillers, from nodes higher up the culm. Its roots penetrate deep into the ground, firmly anchoring themselves while the tops grow and bend with the trapped soil. Vetiver has been found highly tolerant of extreme soil condition, including high metal concentrations. It also grows vigorously even in extremely acidic conditions (pH 3.8) and at a very high level aluminum saturation percentage (68%) of the soil (Troung, 1998). Yoon (1998) noted that the roots could penetrate in very difficult, lateritic soil. The roots could grow between pebbles.

In soil with heavy iron oxides, the roots find their way through any weak spots. Additionally, vetiver grass can tolerate extreme temperatures (-9o to 45oC) and survive well on 200-6,000 mm annual rainfall. Thus, it is considered both as a zerophyte and a hydrophyte. Concluding note The use of vetiver grass to control soil erosion and moisture loss has been promoted by the World Bank in several countries in Asia, Africa and Latin America (Greenfield, 1989). In the Philippines, the Department of Public Works and Highways uses vetiver grass for roadbank stabilization. It is now found throughout the country but sporadically because it only grows where it is planted. References Baconguis, S.R., F.P. Pameron and R.V.

Navarro. 1982. Grassland overgrazing degrades environment and rural life. CANOPY International Vol. 8 No. 4.

Del Castillo, R.A., R.V. Dalmacio, R.D. Lasco

and R.R. Lawas (Eds.) 1994. Soil and water conservation and management: A training manual. UPLB Agroforestry Program, College, Laguna. 237 pp.

Greenfield, J.C. 1989. Vetiver grass (Vetiveria

spp.): The ideal plant for vegetative soil and moisture conservation. World Bank Technical Paper 273:3-38. The World Bank, Washington, D.C.

RISE. 1993. Vetiver grass (5:3). May-June. Syahrul, D. and R. Sudrajat. 1998. “Vetiver

grass as erosion control and land productivity agent in the Jratunseluna catchment area, Central Java.” In Proceedings of the 1st International Conference on Vetiver. N. Chamchalow and H.V. Henle (Eds.), Chiang Rai, Thailand. pp. 216-219.

Troung, P. 1998. “Vetiver grass for land

rehabilitation.” In Proceedings of the 1st International Conference on Vetiver. N. Chamchalow and H.V. Henle (Eds.), Chiang Rai, Thailand. pp. 49-56.

Yoon, P.K. 1998. “Use of vetiver for

embarkment and soil stabilization.” In Proceedings of the 1st International Conference on Vetiver. N. Chamchalow and H.V. Henle (Eds.), Chiang Rai, Thailand. pp.30-40.

The authors are Senior Science Research Specialists, Grassland and Degraded Areas Ecosystems Research Division, ERDB.


Cloning dipterocarps through nonmist technique

Rafael T. Cadiz, Eduardo C. Calzeta and Henry V. Liwanag

C loning is a process of duplicating a single cell or organism to produce “daughter” individuals,

commonly called clones, that are genetically alike as the mother source. Examples include grafting, layering, inarching, marcotting, cutting, tissue culture and other asexual means of

reproduction. Asexual propagation using bulbils, offshoots, stolons and even apomictic seeds are also referred to as cloning. This process can occur even without human intervention (Nuevo, 2002). Benefits of cloning In forestry, clonal propagation technology makes possible the establishment of uniform plantations of superior genotypes that are easy to manage and free from diseases. More importantly, cloning assures reproduction and continuity of tree species in case their sexual reproduction fails (Nuevo, 2002). Problems on sexual propagation are usually associated with erratic or uncertain flowering/fruiting seasons and short seed viability of some tree species like dipterocarps. Dipterocarps start flowering and friuting on the 17th or 18th year, and repeat at an interval of 2-10 years.

Their seeds, which are recalcitrant, remain viable only for 3-7 days after collection (Pollisco, 2001; Rojo and Aragones Jr., 1997). In addition, good seed sources are only available in remote virgin forests of the country. These problems, if not promptly addressed, will result in biodiversity

loss, ecological imbalance and extinction of certain dipterocarp species. Through cloning, these can be prevented. Clonal planting materials may be mass-produced by using either the conventional misting method or the nonmist propagation technique. Nonmist propagation technique The nonmist propagation technique is an alternative way to mass-produce high-quality planting materials of dipterocarps and other premium species that are hard to regenerate naturally. It is featured by the use of a propagation chamber which is made of bent # 8 galvanized iron wire structure and covered with 25 in x 60 in transparent polyethylene bag. The structure should be kept airtight to maintain the desired temperature and relative humidity instead of using a continuous mist sprayer as in the case of the misting method. The nonmist technique is simple, economical and practical. It is applicable in the Philippine situation wherein water supply is limited in most of the reforestation sites. Based on the recent research findings of the ERDB, the nonmist technique is proven effective for root cuttings of many Philippine dipterocarps.

Potted rooted cuttings of gisok-gisok placed inside the nonmist propagation chambers for the recovery period page 10

Species Rooting survival (%)

Rooting hormone

Concentration (ppm)

Length of soaking

Rooting medium

1. Guijo (Shorea guiso) 98* IBA 1,000 1 hr RS + CCD

2. Gisok-gisok (Hopea philippinensis) 95* No rooting hormone RS

3. Palosapis (Anisoptera thurifera) 95* 92*

IBA ST

500 1 mL/L of H2O

1 hr 15 min

RS + CCD RS + CCD

4. Dagang (A. aurea) 91* IBA 500 1 hr RS + CCD

5. White lauan (S. contorta) 88* IBA 2,000 1 hr RS + CCD

6. Dalingdingan (H. foxworthyi) 77 IBA 600 1 hr RS

7. Mayapis (S. palosapis) 76 68

IBA NAA

100 100

1 hr 1 hr

RS + CCD RS + CCD

8. Saplungan (H. plagata) 73 No rooting hormone RS + CCD

9. Bagtikan (Parashorea malaanonan) 72 No rooting hormone RS + CCD

10. Tanguile (S. polysperma) 58 IBA 500 1 hr RS + CCD

11. Apitong (Dipterocarpus grandiflorus) 50* IBA 1,000 1 hr RS + CCD

12. Almon (S. almon) 47 NAA 500 1 hr RS + CCD

13. Hagakhak (D. validus) 33 IBA 500 1 hr RS + CCD

Table 1. Recommended treaments for selected dipterocarp species.

*Based on results of Pollisco, 2001.

IBA - Indole butyric acid; NAA - Naphthalene acetic acid; ST - Superthrive vitamin-hormone RS - Pure river sand; RS + CCD - Mixture of river sand and coconut coir dust

Trees in nonwood land: Potential for sustainable development

Honorato G. Palis

U nabated population growth, urbanization and agricultural expansion have gradually

manifested widespread degradation of land and natural resources. The cumulative effects of expansion have actually led to loss of biodiversity and extreme poverty in the rural areas (FAO, 2001). These problems occur in the lowland landscape of the agroecosystems where less privileged populace is concentrated and the use of natural resources like trees is relatively high. The TNL concept The solution could be massive planting of trees (commercial, or fruit species) in regular fashion, or simply, trees in nonwood land or the TNL concept. This approach is the utilization of vacant spaces not planted to cash crops in various forms at this part of the landscape. Benefits Trees are sources of nourishment and raw materials for processing into variety of food products, particularly in developing and underdeveloped countries in the African and Asian regions. High concentration of trees in the agricultural system can easily replenish lost fertility and can improve tree-based systems such as shelterbelts, windbreaks, alley cropping, hedgerows, home garden and tree cover crops, to mention a few (Huaxin, 2001). Harvested wood comprises 80% of its utilization for energy in the rural areas. Countries in the Pacific rim areas in particular, consume over two-thirds of the energy demand as firewood and charcoal from the trees in the wooded land. Similarly, people that depend on animal husbandry as their livelihood use their planted trees as source of fodder crops from coppiced trees in hedgerows. In Sahelian Africa, three-quarters of the 10,000 woody plants are used as fodder crops, which can supply 50% of livestock feds (FAO, 2001). Challenges The importance of TNL to effectively diffuse and therefore mitigate the pressures in the old-growth forest is often overlooked. While the national government and the local units perform rehabilitation by way of planting

trees in the countryside, the areas of concentration are entirely employed in the degraded upland zones of grassland and savannah ecosystems. This approach tends to make TNL insignificant in alleviating the growing pressure on the natural forest and is therefore negatively complemented with high population growth. For government decision-makers and planners, to include TNL in tree planting programs, there needs to be a relevant information that clearly demonstrates the benefits and important roles of trees in sustainable development in the countryside. One option is to integrate the TNL approach in national agriculture and forestry (reforestation) programs of the government through integrated agroforestry systems such as development of woodlots within the agricultural lands, alley cropping, multi-tiered tree-based system and many more. Its promotion and adoption Building knowledge and capacities are some of the yardsticks to effectively promote TNL. Blending TNL with the regular activities of the government to help achieve sustainable development may take a while, but gradual integration in the national program is a must. Integrated research and development (R & D) effort, for example, from on-farm tree-crop practices to improved selection of multipurpose tree species is a potential option for gradual adoption in the field level. Social issues need to be acknowledged, such as user’s right over trees on farmlands, in order to promote incentives for conservation and preservation of such trees. Tree growing and management, after all, is an excellent economic and ecological option when properly adopted in the agroecosystems. Awareness through effective information and education campaign can help to further promote TNL not only in the

local scene but also in the international level, especially for low forest-cover countries like the Philippines. International conventions such as the Climate Change and Desertification Conventions and the Convention on Biological Diversity can be good avenues for promoting TNL. Concluding note On the basis of biological attributes and wide ranges of resource types, TNL can be extremely useful in attaining sustainable rural development. It can also help transform urban and rural areas into productive state, therefore, achieving profitable agroecosystems. After all, a productive farm through regular and massive integration of trees in the landscapes is the foremost step to sustainable rural families. References FAO. 2001. Trees outside forest:

Conservation Guide No. 35, 210 pp. Huaxin, Z. 2001. “Agroforestry in arid and

semiarid areas of China”. In Proceedings of the First Regional Conference on TPN2. Hyderabad. India. 18-21 Dec. pp 99-109.


The knowledge of man is as the waters, some descending from above, and some springing from beneath; the one informed by the light of nature, the other inspired by divine revelation. Francis Bacon 1561-1626 The Advancement of Learning (1605)

The author is Supervising Science Research Specialist of the Coastal Zone and Freshwater Ecosystems Research Division, ERDB.


T he country’s reforestation efforts started in 1910 when the Forest School at the University of the

Philippines Los Baños was established. Some portions of Mt. Makiling (where the school is situated) were planted with various tree species to restore forest cover. This effort was later dubbed as “Makiling reforestation project”. It was followed by the Osmeña reforestation project in Cebu in 1916. Other similar projects were undertaken in Pampanga, Ilocos Sur and Antique. During World War II, 35 reforestation projects covering 535,000 ha were administered by the then Bureau of Forestry (BF). At that time, about 28,000 ha was planted to different tree species. However, only an estimated 4,000 ha of prewar plantations survived. In 1960, the Reforestation Administration (RA) was created to take charge of the reforestation functions and responsibilities of the Bureau of Forestry. In 1973, the Bureau of Forest Development (BFD) was created out of the merging of the BF, RA and the Parks and Wildlife Office. At that time, 91 reforestation projects (DENR, 1994) were implemented. When the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) was reorganized in 1987, the BFD and the Wood Industry Development Authority were integrated to form the Forest Management Bureau (FMB), with functions on reforestation and rehabilitation of critically denuded/degraded forest reservations and development of forest plantations. In 1986, the DENR launched the 14-year National Forestation Program (NFP) which provided a broad policy framework to ensure sustained and comprehensive efforts of rehabilitating and conserving the country’s forest resources (Sy, 1998). Under this program, 1.4 M ha was projected to be established by 2000 at an average rate of 100,000 ha/year. Statistics Statistics showed that only 566,780 ha

was accomplished by the DENR under the 14-year program (1987-2000). This was way below the projected target of 1.4 M ha. It means only about 40% of the target rate of 100,000 ha/year was realized. Forestry statistics revealed that from 1971 to 2001, the reforested area totaled around 1.59 M ha. Of this, 66% was accomplished by the government, while the rest, by the private sector. Government sector refers to the DENR and other government agencies; while private sector refers to the timber licensees and leases like the Industrial Forest Management Agreement (IFMA); Industrial Tree Plantation Lease Agreement (ITPLA); Private Forest Development Agreement (PFDA); Socialized Industrial Forest Management Agreement (SIFMA); Community-Based Forest Management Agreement (CBFMA); and Tree Farm and Agroforestry Farm Lease (TF-AFFL). Trees (planted by the private sector) that have matured, or have reached harvestable size, might have been harvested. Nonetheless, it is presumed that harvested areas have been replanted, or brought to productive use. By 2001, the government has issued 1,485 licenses, agreements and leases, covering more than 6 M ha. Community-based forest management project sites which numbered 4,956 had a tenured area of 4.4 M ha. Esteban (2003) estimated that in 1998, 127,654 ha of tree plantations were within public lands (113,614 ha in CBFM areas and 14,040 ha in IFMA areas) and about 42,537 ha within private lands. On the other hand, FMB (2001) reported that as of 31 December 2001, the area planted by IFMA holders reached 150,740 ha. Small private tree farms have also proliferated all over the country for various reasons. However, the extent, age, species composition and exact end us of these private tree farms have not

really been documented as past of forestry statistics. FMB (2001) listed three categories of forest disturbance in natural and plantation forests: fire, kaingin and others. For 2001, 1,397 ha of forests were “disturbed” with an estimated value of about P7.39 M. Fire accounted for 56% of the total area; kaingin, 2%; and others (pests and diseases, drought, and other natural calamities), 42%. Assessment/Insights In the Master Plan for Forestry Development (as cited in Sy, 1997), it was noted that the survival rate of seedlings planted earlier barely exceeded 50%. Fires, typhoons, droughts and other natural phenomena destroyed a large number of those that survived. On the other hand, surveys conducted through inspection chart mapping from 1988 to 1991 showed a national average survival of 76.40%. Apparently, reforestation/rehabilitation is feasible. But for some projects undertaken by the government, such approach does not seem fruitful. This is due to aforementioned forest disturbances; poor quality planting stock; species-site incompatibility; improper handling and transport of planting materials; and lack of proper and sustained maintenance and protection. Concluding note Forestry statistics continuously depict the accomplishments/achievements of both government and private sectors in reforestation year by year. If one environment-and-natural-resource-conscious person takes time adding all the figures, the result could be invigorating as it suggests vast tracts of land greened with trees. On second thought, his analytical mind would ask, “But why do we keep on doing tree planting activities? Where are these reforested areas? Do all of these really exist?” References Department of Environment and Natural

Resources. 1994. Program completion report of the Forestry Sector Program Loan by the Government of the Philippines.

Esteban, I.D. 2003. Forest plantation

development assessment: Sustainable page 11

A cursory look on reforestation in the Philippines Manolito U. Sy

I n the assessment conducted by Esteban (2003) on the implementation of the Master Plan

for Forestry Development, he stressed the following issues, problems and constraints confronting/affecting the implementation of forest plantation development in the country: Insufficient economic incentives particularly on the security of land tenure and exemption from forest charges

Inaccessibility of forestlands (due to expensive application fees, high cost of surveys and mapping)

Lagging plantation development. Esteban (2003) also identified other technical problems: Poor species selection procedure,

e.g., disregard for wood quality/end use and little attention to species-site compatibility;

Poor nursery management practices; Lack of integrated approach to deal with pests and diseases which should start in the early stage of plantation design;

Poor forest plantation development practices (from site preparation to harvesting) and neglect of basic silvicultural practices;

Stringent harvesting permit requirements. Permit to harvest forest products cannot be issued without

prior 100% inventory. The cost of inventory is shouldered by the owner of the forest plantation. harvested logs cannot be sold without the Certificate of Origin issued by the DENR:

Overenthusiasm on high technology like biotechnology, tissue culture and clonal forestry—neglecting the basic program on forest tree improvement (production of improved/quality seeds and source of selected clones for mass propagation);

Research and development in nursery and plantation development are still fragmented and not prioritized; and

Lack of inventory of existing forest plantations and reliable growth data.

Addressing the concerns/issues Some studies have been implemented to improve the quality of planting stocks. Efforts have also been undertaken to produce adequate quantity of improved planting stocks at a minimum cost and earliest time possible. All these are a continuing undertaking not only of the Ecosystems Research and Development Bureau (ERDB) and the regional research sector, but also of other

research institutions, both public and private. Some technologies have been generated to benefit tree farmers, tree plantation managers, researchers, planners and even teachers, or extension workers. Some of these technologies are the recently-development computer-based system for species-site matching. The ERDB’s guidebook on the development and management of forest plantations has been noted to be practical for field use. Correspondingly, ERDB researchers have also come up with a guidebook on pests and diseases of forest plantation trees in the Philippines. To address regional needs, the DENR Regional Research Service has also developed

technologies that cater to the specific concern of the region. One of the major concerns of the forest-based industry is the source of raw materials. While current forestry statistics indicate the number of tree plantations, the exact location, area, species, age, density and volume of such plantations are wanting. Thus, accurate listing and indicative mapping are also of urgency. The DENR regional offices (starting at the CENRO level) are suggested to perform the task. Tree plantations can differ in growth performance in different sites, or even within the same site, due to various factors. As such, for purposes of predicting yields (which are vital inputs in plantation management and in the computation of income), the establishment of growth plots to be monitored for a period of time, is inevitable. Concluding statement Year in and year out, accomplishments/achievements along forest plantations, both public and private, are reflected in forestry statistics. But some people might raise a note of uncertainty as to the existence of such plantations. The apprehension of Alcala (1997 as cited in Esteban, 2003) puts relevance to these uncertainties when he stated, “…whether these plantations are still there and in good shape or not remains to be proven. I guess not all these plantations are in good shape. Sometimes, many of these plantations are called paper plantations not because that is their eventual end use but because it’s the only place they exist …” Alcala (1997 as cited by Esteban, 2003) might have referred to the government reforestation projects. The private initiatives, however, may really be there elsewhere awaiting to be harnesses. What is jut needed perhaps is to have these known and accessed at the earliest possible time by the intended users, particularly the wood-based and


Some notes on forest plantation development in the Philippines

Manolito U. Sy

Gmelina arborea planted at a clonal test site in Talacogon, Agusan del Sur. page 11


T he national health care delivery system in the Philippines is dominated by Western

medicines. This resulted in a self-perpetuating dependency on foreign sources of medicines, making the health care delivery system more expensive. Many Filipinos, especially those in the rural areas, cannot afford to buy “modern” medicines prescribed by doctors. In the Philippines, the cost for drug requirement is estimated at P2.2 billion a year. The government’s annual budget remains low and insufficient to cover such cost. Based on a study conducted by the Department of Health (DOH), 30% of the country’s population, mostly from urban areas, can afford the cost of modern medicines; another 30% can partially cope with the cost; whereas the remaining 40% cannot entirely spend on modern medicines (Philippine Panorama, 2002). Due to high prices of modern medicines in the Philippines, the government enacted Republic Act No. 8423, also known as the “Traditional and Alternative Medicine Act”, or TAMA, on 7 December 1997. This answers the need of many people for a better health system through the provision and delivery of traditional and alternative health care products, services and technologies that have been proven safe, effective, affordable and accessible to Filipinos (PITAHC Annual Report, 2000). The herbal industry The country presently has four herbal pharmaceutical and processing plants, which are maintained by DOH’s Philippine Institute of Traditional and Alternative Health Care (PITAHC). These plants are not only engaged in the production and marketing of herbal medicines but also in research and development, in promotion and advocacy and in the provision of training and technical assistance. Herbal medicines/products are promoted and sold locally to nongovernment organizations (NGOs), government organizations (GOs) and the general

public (PITAHC Annual Report, 2001). Several private companies have also ventured in the production and manufacturing of medicinal plants and other herbal products. One of the biggest local pharmaceuticals in the country owns 40 ha of herbal plantation. Its contributions to the economy Considering the economic importance of the herbal industry, the Ecosystems Research and Development Bureau (ERDB) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) conducted a marketing study on herbal products sold in local drugstores. Surveyed were 33 drugstores/pharmacies in the urban towns of southern Luzon. Results revealed that herbal/medicinal products are more affordable than the commercial. Nevertheless, a supply of raw materials for a long-term production of herbal/medicinal products remains quite limited, based on a consultative meeting between ERDB and the Philippine Chamber of Herbal Industry. Another study conducted by the Department of Horticulture of the University of the Philippines Los Baños revealed that the herbal industry has high potentials for economic development, especially in the countryside. One

hectare of lagundi or sambong, for instance, can produce 10,000-20,000 kg of fresh leaves worth US$1,500-$5,800. Deducting the production cost, a farmer can earn a net income of US$2,500-$4,800/ha on the first year. On the subsequent years, a farmer can have an increase in income from US$7,700-$11,500/ha. The harvest can be sold fresh, or dried and packed. Dried

leaves command a higher price (Quintana, 1999). Its prospects The future of the herbal industry in the Philippines is very promising. The global market for nutraceuticals, botanicals and functional and organic foods, mostly from plants, has become a multibillion-dollar industry. The trend towards organic and natural products opens new opportunities for the Philippines to meet the demand from its rich herbal resources and ancient traditions and practices on herbal plant use. The country’s rich flora could supply products like herbal tea, herbal tablets and capsules, herbal syrup, essential oils, herbal cosmetics ingredients, and many other herbal products that could give rise to personal care industries (Business World, 2002). The government’s intervention is geared towards the development of alternative and traditional health care and services to meet the needs for affordable medicines for the 40% of the Filipino population. The use of medicinal plants and products has tremendously expended and gained wide acceptance in the local market.

Demand for herbal medicine in the Philippines Aurora S. Jose

page 11

Sambong, Blumea balsamifera (L.), is a medicinal plant that commands a high price in the market.


Ficus callosa: A promising species for livelihood Calixto E. Yao

K alukoi (Ficus callosa), also called “hindang” in Leyte and Surigao, or “taloot” or

“manyupay” in Cebu, belongs to the family Moraceae. It is a large tree with a diameter at breast height (dbh) of 55 cm and a height of 29 m (merchantable at a height of 17 m). It is widely distributed in the Visayas, Mindanao and in a limited number of the Bicol Region. The tree is found along roadsides and in urban areas, generally solitary, seldom in group. The tree is highly priced for banca-making in the Visayas and Mindanao because of its extra lightness and resistance to marine borer. However, in spite of its economic potential, it remains virtually unknown to many people for two reasons: one is that kalukoi occurs in limited number in open areas just like any ordinary tree. Another is that kalukoi wood is of low quality, which does not make many foresters interested to study the species. Hopefully, this write-up will encourage foresters and other interested groups along the prospects of kalukoi for reforestation and commercial plantation, or backyard tree farming. Botanical description The leaves are simple in whorl formation. The fruit is round/globose, 2 cm in diameter, greenish-gray, powder, emanates from the leaf axil in pairs from slender individual peduncle (3 cm long). The bark is khaki, 1 cm thick and with prominent leaf/branch abscission layers. Germination The tiny seeds of kalukoi are quite easy to germinate (within 15-20 days). But it takes 2-3 months to develop bigger leaves. Once the seedlings have produced bigger leaves (3 cm x 6 cm) growth becomes more rapid. Germination of seeds from rotting fruit is 40-50%. Fresh fruit, however, has higher germination (80%). Seeds can be

refrigerated for five months, but their germination would decrease to 10%. The species is susceptible to damping- off. A seed box with fine sand, or plastic shade can be used to obtain more sunlight and attain higher germination and robust seedlings. Seeds can be dispersed far apart to avoid overcrowding. Seedlings can be potted when 2-3 cm in height. Growth Kalukoi is a fast-growing indigenous species. In Panganganan Island, Calape, Bohol, kalukoi in the four-month-old plantation has an average height of 2 m and a diameter of 1.5 cm. In Cebu City, a year-old wildling has a height of 4 m and a diameter of 4 cm; a three-year-old, a height of 6 m and a diameter of 10 cm. The species appears to be shade-tolerant, for it survives under heavily-shaded areas and tries to reach out the canopy level for the “big break”, then shoots up above the nurse tree. Observations from the other provinces

have confirmed its fast growth in favorable sites, 2-3 m in height and 4-5 cm in diameter yearly. Phenology Kalukoi starts to bear fruit in 2-3 years, but produces viable seeds in 4-5 years. It has no definite fruiting season. In Cebu, the peak season for seed fall is in March-April and July-August. Kalukoi, a deciduous tree, sheds its leaves at least twice a year, in November-December and May-June. Natural regeneration Kalukoi has a very poor regeneration. Wildlings are very limited under the canopy. The few, solitary “volunteers” are usually found along roadsides far from the mother trees. In Tubigon, Bohol, seven natural regeneration of kalukoi poles lined along the highway as if they were planted. These wildlings sprouted from the fruit/seeds dropped by bats while in flight; or they might have been from the droppings of birds perching on electric wires. Poor regeneration of kalukoi could be attributed to the generally dense underbrush and thick litterfall as the high crown permits more sunlight under the canopy. The tiny seeds have a slim chance of reaching the topsoil while they are still viable. The fleshy fruit remains intact on the ground, or above the litterfall, until it rots together with the seeds. Kalukoi plantation for livelihood With the big demand for kalukoi for banca-making, the Coastal Resources Management Project (CRMP), a special project of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) with support from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), has started promoting the species for livelihood among coastal communities. The CRMP has been distributing kalukoi seedlings to its beneficiaries. A people’s organization (PO) in Pangangan Island, Calape, Bohol established the first kalukoi plantation, serving as a show window for other Pos. The plantation, which is intercropped with agricultural crops, showcases agroforestry as a long-term, land-based livelihood for coastal communities.

page 11 Ficus callosa with the typical cylindrical bole and nar-row crown. (Basak, Cebu City)


Cloning… from page 4 Approaches The production of high-quality planting materials through nonmist technique could be employed by following the two approaches of clonal propagation as discussed by Zabala (1994). The short-term approach produces relatively good clones at a shorter time. It answers the immediate need for good quality planting materials within 1-2 years. The long-term approach is highly desirable, but takes 12-15 years (Zabala, 1994). ERDB’s task ERDB, as the research arm of the DENR, is tasked to have the technology reachable to end users. What the ERDB is doing for real is conduct various trainings and extend different forms of technical assistance to regional personnel. In addition, flyers and posters are also prepared and articles written for the information dissemination campaign. Moreover, the Bureau is continuously offering technical assistance to tree farmers, nursery workers and concerned DENR field personnel to make this undertaking work. Concluding note Success in rooting can be also possible even without the aid of rooting hormones. As revealed in Table 1, gisok-gisok, saplungan and bagtikan obtained high rooting survival of 95%, 73% and 72%, respectively, without any hormonal treatments. This indicates that mass propagation of quality planting materials through cloning can still be conducted even with limited funds. The challenge Eighteen different dipterocarp species have been tried using the nonmist technique. However, only 13 species are herein recommended for mass propagation. The other species showed little success in the initial rooting trials. Thus, further study is still needed to modify certain procedures in the protocols to obtain higher degree of rooting. With these recent developments in forestry research on biotechnology, which is considered a breakthrough in the Philippines, the regional/field units of the Department of Environment and

Natural Resources (DENR) are now confronted with the challenge to produce high-quality planting materials to meet the demand in the regions. References Nuevo, C. 2002. “Introduction to clonal

propagation technology and the clonal forestry program of the DENR.” In

Proceedings of the macrosomatic clonal nursery techniques and operations training. 12-17 August. ERDB, College, Laguna.

Pollisco, M.T. 2001. Macropropagation of

dipterocarps through seedlings, wildlings and rooted cuttings. Terminal report. ERDB, College, Laguna.

page 11

Box 1. Short-term approach to nonmist technique

Select plus trees from established seed production areas (SPAs), tree plantation, or natural stands. Never conduct selection in logged-over second-growth forests. In the selection process, the physical traits of the candidate trees like bole form, branching habits, apical dominance, health (resistant to disease or insect attach) and wood properties (specific gravity, fiber length) need to be evaluated and rated.

From the selected plus trees, collect vegetative materials (shoots, coppice, twigs, buds). Raise them in the nursery either by rooting shoot cuttings, grafting, or budding, whichever is

most effective. Also, collect available seeds, or wildlings from plus trees as an alternative in cases vegetative propagation fails. For wildlings, place them in a structure covered with nets and plastic for recovery period of one month.

Plant the hardened ramets, seedlings, or wildlings in a hedge garden or clonal multiplication area in separate blocks. Place a tag on every individual plant. The tag should contain the common and scientific names, provenance/source, date collected and identification number or code.

Manage and maintain the hedge garden as source of juvenile cutting materials for clonal propagation.

Once shoots in the hedge garden are already harvestable, collect the juvenile portions and immediately place them in a large transparent plastic bag with a small amount of water. Conduct collection preferably in the early morning, or late in the afternoon.

In the nursery, place them in a pail with water while trimming their leaves. Then, divide them into two-nodal cuttings.

For sterilization, soak them in fungicide solution for 30-60 min. Make a scrape at the base of the cuttings and soak them in rooting hormone solution.

Concentrations and other treatments for each species are shown in Table 1. Plant them in “hiko” tray with sterilized rooting media (Table 1) and place inside the nomist

propagation chamber for 2-4 months. Keep the chamber enclosed during the rooting period. Water the cuttings if needed (usually twice a week).

Once rooted, harvest them and dip in water to gently remove the soils from the roots. Plant them in a plastic pot with a mixture of garden soil and river sand, then place back in an enclosed chamber for a week recovery. In the next three weeks, gradually open the chamber for acclimatization.

For hardening, transfer them in a partly-shaded area in the nursery for 4-8 months. Outplant the hardened clones as enrichment crops in critical watersheds and other

inadequately-stocked second-growth forests.

Box 2. Long-term approach to nonmist technique

Among the produced clones from the short-term approach, select vigorous and healthy plants.

Plant the selected clones under existing plantations (preferably leguminous species to benefit from nitrogen-fixing characteristic) to serve as a clonal bank. Clonal bank is a living collection of selected asexually propagated plants (clones) that are managed for breeding purposes.

Maintain, manage and observe the area for 8-12 years of clonal test. Based on the result of the clonal test, rouge clones that are poor performers. These inferior

clones could be replaced by new ones. However, the best performing clones will become the source of cutting materials for the establishment of a clonal multiplication area.

For mass propagation of high-quality planting materials of superior clones utilizing the non-mist technique, follow the second up the twelfth item in the procedure under the short-term approach (Box 1).


Editorial… from page 1 protection of wildlife and their habitats; and initiate, or support scientific studies on the conservation of biological diversity. But certainly, such political document as R.A. 9147, is not the panacea to nature’s distress call. The cure rests on us, the citizenry. We, as stewards of God’s creation, should put our act together with a renewed sensitivity and concern for the preservation of these wildlife resources. As wildlife destruction becomes more and more visible, as wildlife’s beauty and bounty become less and less sustainable, let us move forward and lead in a crusade to respond fervently to nature’s cry.

Cloning… from page 10 Rojo, J.P. and E.G. Aragones Jr. 1997.

Botanical identification handbook on Philippine dipterocarps. FPRDI-DOST, College, Laguna.

Zabala, N.Q. 1994. Mass multiplication of

clonal planting materials and establishment of plantation of dipterocarps in the Philippines. Handbook. RAS/91/004. Field Document No. 8. UNDP/FAO.

Reforestation… from page 6 forest management, poverty alleviation

and food security in upland communities in the Philippines (Project Phi/01/010). Review/Updating of the Forestry Master Plan.

Forest Management Bureau. 2001. Philippine

Forestry Statistics. Sy, M.U. 1998. Rehabilitation of natural

logged-over forests: The Philippine scenario. CANOPY International Vol. 24 No. 6. The first author is Senior Science

Research Specialist and the second and third authors are Science Research Analysts of the Upland Farms Ecosystem Research Division, ERDB.

Kalukoi… from page 9 Fisherfolks in Bohol buy kalukoi banca (about 40 cm in diameter) from Surigao at P3,000 each. With kalukoi plantation, the local people could generate a big income in 8-10 years based on the growth of the species. Harvesting time may be hastened when appropriate silvicultural treatments are applied (Yao, 1998; Yao et al., 1998). Here is another possibility for kalukoi as a source of livelihood. A former governor of the Cebu Province who is not a forester has discovered that kalukoi is a potential material for electric post. This is attributed to its nearly cylindrical bole, big diameter and towering height plus its fast growth. Recommendations A study can be undertaken to determine other chemical and physical properties of kalukoi wood, and to test other possible uses of the wood. Studies can be also initiated by the government, or by any research institution, concerning the effects of fertilizer and spacing, pruning and thinning, intercropping and elevation on the growth and survival of the species. The DENR, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources of the Department of Agriculture (BFAR-DA), the local government and nongovernment organizations can work together to

Forest plantation… from page 7 allied industries so that investments will not be wasted. And if our tree plantation undertakings have not been that successful, perhaps it is time we referred to the technologies developed, and applied them if possible. References Department of Environment and Natural

Resources. 1994. Program completion report of the Forestry Sector Program Loan by the Government of the Philippines.

Esteban, I.D. 2003. Forest plantation

development assessment: Sustainable forest management, poverty alleviation and food security in upland communities in the Philippines (Project Phi/01/010). Review/Updating of Forestry Master Plan.

Sy, M.U. 1998. Rehabilitation of natural

logged-over forests: The Philippine scenario. CANOPY International Vol. 24

Medicinal… from page 8 Apparently, the bright prospect of herbal industry can encourage an individual, a cooperative, or a corporation to venture in such enterprise. References Businessworld. 2002. Manila. 14 August. Philippine Panorama. 2002. “Alternative

medicine—A new remedy”. Editorial. Manila. 21 July. p. 3

PITAHC Annual Report. 2002 and 2001. Quintana, E.Q. 1999. A primer on growing

medicinal plants. University of the Philippines Los Baños, College, Laguna.

The author is Supervising Science Research Specialist, Forest Ecosystem Research Division, ERDB.

Ask a silly question and you get a silly answer.

Early 14th century proverb

Great oaks from little acorns grow.

Late 14th century proverb

promote the use of kalukoi for banca-making among the coastal communities, especially through the people’s organizations. References Yao, C.E. 1998. Bohol tree enterprise program

(BTEP). The Philippine Lumberman. January-February.

Yao, C.E., R. Aragon and R. Acosta. 1998. Tree farming sourcebook. Provincial Government of Bohol and ARD-GOLD Project, USAID.

The author is Supervising Science Research Specialist, Forest Ecosystem Research Division, ERDB.

The author is Provincial Environmental and Natural Resources Officer of PENRO-Region VII.

The author is Science Research Specialist II of the Forest Ecosystem Research Division, ERDB.

If a thing’s worth doing, it’s worth doing well.

Mid 18th century proverb


The difficult is done at once, the impossible takes a little longer.

Late 19th century proverb

EDITORIAL BOARD

Celso P. Diaz

Executive Adviser

Bibiano P. Ranes Executive Editor

EDITORIAL STAFF

Gloria R. Diokno

Editor

Carlo B. Castillo Associate Editor

Liberato A. Bacod

Colorist

BUSINESS STAFF

Flora B. Palicpic Circulation Manager

Eduardo M. Tolentino Circulation Assistant

Canopy International is published bi-monthly by the Ecosystems Research and Development Bureau (ERDB) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Republic of the Philippines. Canopy International seeks to promote the global communication and exchange of information on issues and developments affecting the equitable utilization of natural resources and sustainable management of the environment. Canopy International accepts contributions for publication but reserves the right to edit such contributions. Only unsolicited manuscripts accompanied by self-stamped and self-addressed envelope will be returned. Contributions must be accompanied with a brief curriculum vitae of the author(s). No contents of this publication may be reproduced, in part or in whole, without prior permission from the publisher, except for purposes of review and citation, provided a copy of such review or citation is sent to the publisher. Views expressed herein are of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher or editors. Canopy International was entered as second-class mail in College, Laguna, PHILIPPINES on 30 May 2003.

R esearch has found that many insecticide sprays applied by Asian rice farmers are

unnecessary because they are applied at the wrong time and to the wrong targets. Many of the chemicals used (e.g., methyl parathion) are highly hazardous to human health and are banned in the developed world. These sprays disrupt the natural biological control mechanisms and create an environment that can favor worst pest species.

***** In 2030, the estimated risk of diarrhea will be up to 10% higher if emissions of carbon dioxide and other “greenhouse” gases that trap the sun’s heat continue to grow uncontrolled, says the World Health Organization (WHO).

***** Hydrogen leakage could harm ozone layer, a new study says. Researchers at the California Institute of Technology reported that the leaked hydrogen gas could indirectly cause as much as a 10% decrease in atmospheric ozone. The stratospheric ozone layer protects the Earth from the sun’s ultraviolet radiation, which causes skin cancer and weakens the immune system.

***** Australian scientists reported that the sea ice around Antarctica has already shrunk by 20% since 1950.

*****

The compiler is Librarian II of the ERDB.

Earthwatch Praxedes Silvoza

Nearly 80 sea turtles have washed ashore in South Carolina, either dead or dying. Many of them have been “Barnacle Bills”, sickened turtles with rotting flippers, parasite-riddled bodies and encrusted shells, as reported by the sea turtle biologists of the United States Department of Natural Resources. Wildlife biologists and turtle experts say the cause is either hypothermia or pollution.

***** A study conducted by the WHO said that if global temperatures increase by 2o to 3o C (3.6o-5.4oF) several hundred million more people a year will be exposed to malaria.

***** The Asia-Pacific Environmental Exchange Center (APEC) reported that half of the world’s tropical mangrove forest has been lost and about half of that was lost in the past 20 years. The shrimp farming industry, having ballooned for the past 15 years, has been one of the major causes of such loss.

***** Sixteen of the 20 worst cities in the world for air pollution are in China, according to a report. Acid rain falls on 30% of the country, and more than a quarter of the land is subjected to desertification, an area that increases by 2,000 sq km every year.

volume 27 no. 1 january - february 2001 issn-0115-0960...

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