Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines (ULAP) president Dakila “Dax’’ Cua urged the local chief executives (LCE) to enhance the planting of native trees in support of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ (DENR’s) plan to increase the country’s forest cover by an additional three million hectares by 2028 to minimize the effect of climate change.
Cua explained that ecology experts warn about the risk of planting exotics trees, which can lead to “silent forests’’ that cause the loss of ecological balance.
Kaya silent forests dahil nawawala ang ecological balance, namamatay ang ibang halaman at hayop (Referred to as silent forest, the ecological balance is lost, other plants and animals die),” Cua said.
“According to the One More Tree Foundation, exotic trees disrupt local ecosystems and pose threats to native flora and fauna,’’ the ULAP noted.
Instead of fast-growing and aggressive Gmelina, mahogany, and other exotic species that lead to the disappearance of native flora and fauna, Cua stated that “we should ensure that native species such as the Lauan, Yakal, Molave, and other hardy or fruit trees, are planted.’’
“Mas makasisiguro tayo na makaka-adapt at tutubo ang mga ito (native trees), at makakapag-akit din ng mga wildlife (We are assured that the native trees can adapt and grow and they will attract the wildlife),’’ Cua explained.
“Instead of fast-growing and aggressive Gmelina, mahogany, and other exotic species that lead to the disappearance of native flora and fauna, we should ensure that native species such as the Lauan, Yakal, Molave, and other hardy or fruit trees, are planted. Mas makasisiguro tayo na makaka-adapt at tutubo ang mga ito (native plants), at makakapag-akit din ng mga wildlife (We can be assured that these native plants can adapt and grow and will also attract the wildlife),’’ he added.
Cua also emphasized that the goal of reforestation programs should not only be in replanting trees, but in restoring ecological balance.
In supporting the DENR’s program, Cua stressed the need for the concerted effort of the local government units (LGUs) to complement, stressing the need for more “green’’ to “combat the brown mud and flood that have increased in occurrence due to our depleting forests.”
Cua has relentlessly called on the government to create a “green wall” that would defend the country against the harsh impact of climate change.
The DENR bared this plan during the recent deliberation of the House committee on appropriations on the agency’s proposed 2025 budget of P26.027 billion.