U.P. ARBORETUM TREE PLANTING

SEPTEMBER 4, 2014

Article and photos by Rolly Reyes

 

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This tree planting event is an on-going project between of UP Beta Sigma Fraternity, University of the Philippines, Department Of Environment and Natural resources. Corollary to this is the National Greening Program where The Beta Sigma National Assembly, Rotary Club and Phil Medical Association play a vital role as stakeholders in cooperation with DA and DENR.

Special mention is the tireless dedication of Brods Butch Madarang and Cris Michelene in spearheading this noble endeavor. Of course, we also have the nurturing support of Brod Secretary Mon Paje and Brod Procy Alcala. The candidates of Miss Global Beauty Pageant Philippines participated by planting seedlings added luster to the occasion. Resident brods of UP Diliman were also there to represent our brotherhood

CHEERS!

RGR’66
 

 

 

 

U.P. Arboretum

 

This is a man-made forest park found within the grounds of the Diliman campus of the University of the Philippines. Established in 1948 by the Department of Agriculture, the 17-hectare arboretum is the only remaining rainforest within Metro Manila where exotic and endangered species of trees, along with diverse flora and fauna, can be found. The park has a man-made pond that hosts various aquatic and humid-loving plants, which also serves as a favorite picnic spot among visitors.

A memorandum of agreement (MOA) was entered into among UP Diliman (UPD), the Department of Agriculture (DA), the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), and the UP Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc. (UPBSFI) on February 12 to draw up and formulate a “Five and Ten-Year UP Arboretum Master Plan” for the preservation and protection of biological diversity and other ecosystem attributes of the UP Arboretum, and the development for scientific plant research and development in UPD.

 

 

 

 

 

At the MOA signing, Chancellor Caesar A. Saloma represented UPD, while Secretary Proceso J. Alcala and Atty. Jonas R. Leones, Head Executive Assistant at DENR Central Office, represented DA and DENR, respectively. UPBSFI was led by its president Rolando G. Reyes.

The master plan to be drawn up will be in accordance with the 2012 UPD Land Use Plan which designates the UP Arboretum, including its buffer area, as a priority protection zone.
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The 17-hectare UP Arboretum, undoubtedly the only remaining Philippine urban forest in Metro Manila, is envisioned to become a National Botanical Gardens site, oriented towards science and education.

As stated in the MOA, the master plan shall “include considerations for a forest reserve area, designated stabilizing buffer zone, site specific areas for seed orchard, clonal breeding, provenance trials and technical capability training and management protocols on planting stocks (e.g. seeds, seedling or clones) and indigenous or endemic standing trees, propagation, pest and disease control, soil and microclimatic conditions, among others, including a sustained viable financing system for the UP Arboretum.”

 

 

The long-term goal of the MOA is to undertake a study that would lead to the designation of the UP Arboretum as a national historical and possibly a world heritage site.

DA and DENR shall provide the necessary technical assistance, skills training, planting materials and other forms of support to UP for the preservation and conservation of the UP Arboretum.

 

 

 

  

UPBSFI, on the other hand, shall provide the necessary expertise and financial assistance to achieve the goals and objectives of the MOA. Until the approval and implementation of the master plan, UPD for its part, “shall continue to maintain the UP Arboretum and the buffer zone, subject to its rules and regulations, including but not limited to, specific restrictions and site access.”

Witnessing the event were Teodulo Topacio, National Scientist, former dean of the UP College of Veterinary Medicine and a member of UPBSFI; Prof. Melania L. Flores, UPD Vice Chancellor for Community Affairs, Dr. Cristine DLR. Villagonzalo, UPD Office of Extension and Coordination director, and members of the UPBSFI.

 

 

 

 

"Grow And Be Like The Molave" - strong and resilient, as Pres. Manuel Luis Quezon wrote in 1940

 

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