Feature Release

 DENR – EMB5 pushes for the promotion of Bicol endemic fruits

 By: Irma A. Guhit

SORSOGON CITY, February 1 – Two endemic fruits have been unknown to many of Bicolanos, the Gumihan (Artocarpus sericicarpus} of the Family Moraceae and the Baligang (Syzygium curanii) of the Family Myrtaceae which grows extensively on the wild, some on private lands. These fruit bearing trees bear fruit every year and ripens during the months of May and June. Many have tasted the Baligang but the Gumihan according to most people is virtually unknown. Many have not seen how it’s golden fruit when ripe looks nor have tasted it at all, especially to the young generation now.

“I am an ardent proponent of the conservation, preservation and propagation of these two (2) fruit-bearing trees. In my sorties to the island of Mindanao, Visayas and even in the northern parts of Luzon, seldom did I ever see these fruits. The Gumihan is very similar to the Marang (Artocarpius odoratissi)  but in terms of taste, the Gumihan tastes five times better and sweeter. Likewise, the Baligang which is similar to its relative, the Duhat (Syzygium cumini)   tastes better with its sweet and sour combination. I consider these fruits which are endemic to the Bicol Region be adopted as landmark fruits, aside from the Pili (Canarium ovatum)   for celebrating unique festivities- the Gumihan and Baligang Festival to rival  or add on to the Durian   and Lanzones Festival of Davao and Camiguin among others.”, Forester Fernando P. Quilanan, the newly appointed DENR-EMB RO 5 Regional Technical Director explained extensively to the Executive Committee Members of the Bacon Geothermal Multipartite Monitoring Team (BGMMT) during the Executive Conference held at Pepperland Hotel at Legaspi City during the first quarter Execom meeting earlier this January.

Present during the BGMMT Execom Meeting were former governor of Sorsogon, Sally Ante Lee, Engr. Leo Zancho Mago, representing the Energy Development Corporation (EDC), Engr. Adelaida Magante, representing Bacon Geothermal Incorporated (BGI),  Mr. Manuel “Nong” Rangasa, representing Gov. Joey Salceda of the province of Albay, DENR-PENRO Oscar C. Dominguez of Sorsogon, DENR PENRO Forester Rodolfo M. Matusalem, Engr. Leonisa Madeloso and Engr. Eva S. Ocfemia, Provincial Environmental Management Officers (PEMO) of Sorsogon and Albay and two sectoral head representatives of the BGMMT, ICM Irma A. Guhit of PIA Sorsogon, chair of the BGMMT IEC  committee,  and Engineer Maribeth L. Fruto, PENRO- LGU provincial head, BGMMT chair of the Forest Protection Committee.

The 250,000 reservation of the Energy Development Corporation  according to RTD Quililan will serve as the pilot area for  the massive  planting of the said two endemic trees and will fall under the “Binhi” program of EDC  to plant million of fruit bearing trees that can be one of the mid-term development plan specifically, an add-on alternative source for livelihood.

“I am very passionate to undertake this project specially to introduce it as reforestation crops for EDC. In principle they have committed already their full support to fund this project. The planting of these endemic fruit trees within the reservation area will also provide more  food for the 14- specie of fruit eating bats found at the EDC site and considered  as awesome ecotourism  features of the energy reservation area.’, Forester Quililan anxiously expressed.

“These two endemic fruits in the Bicol Region will highlight how rich we are in terms of our forest and how these can be harnessed as a very productive source of livelihood especially with our upland farmers. We are also planning to launch a contest in finding the biggest and sweetest Gumihan and Baligang this year. The seeds of these fruits will be used as planting materials so as to propagate the best Gumihan and Baligang that will place our region as a rich resource of these products.” Quililan further explained.

“As former governor of the province of Sorsogon, I am grateful that RTD Quililan has seen the importance of these endemic trees. These really have to be handed down to the next generation, otherwise they lose the chance of knowing what their fore fathers have enjoyed. The planting of these trees          in the region is a way too, to increase the income of our local tree planters. It will address environmental concerns and problems like the proliferation of kaingins. It is also a very laudable action since it will provide food for the table, which is the first thrust of the Millenium Development Goals (MDG), to address poverty. I know that EDC thru their corporate social responsibility program, the spirit of shared responsibility is always highlighted. I am truly glad that Albay and Sorsogon are provinces who will spearhead in addressing global warming and climate change through this project,” Lee stressed.

Mr. Manuel “Nong” Rangasa, representing Governor Joey Salceda candidly expressed their all out support of the progam. He said the provincial government of Albay will initialize its implementation since it has a Research Center for Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation. They will include this project as one of its priority projects for 2011. He said Governor Salceda always welcome new initiatives especially if this will address issues on Climate Change.                                                                                                                            

The proposal for this project has been formally signed during the Execom meeting and the period of implementation will start early February of this year.  RTD Quililan has also provided the members the signed copies of the project.  (PIA- Sorsogon)