By Estrella Z. Gallardo
Book titled “Trees and Associated Plants was launched” at the Department of Science and Technology National Capital Region (DOST-NCR) DOST Compound, Bicutan, Taguig City on June 27, which coincided with the launching of Bioreactors as part of the Materials Recovery Facility in the Compound.
The 25.55 hectare – DOST Compound in the South of Metro Manila located at one of the fastest growing cities in the region, Taguig City, Bicutan in particular, is not only limited to the existence of infrastructure intended for office and laboratory testing center buildings but also for the preservation of the lush of vegetation.
DOST-NCR in 2008, initiated a biodiversity project in collaboration with the Forest Products Research and Development Institute (FPRDI-DOST), Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (PCAARRD-DOST) and the Administrative and Legal Services (ALS) to preserve and secure the forest environment at the DOST compound.
In line with this initiative, DOST-NCR funded a collaborative project with the College of Forestry and Natural Resources (CFNR) at the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) and Makiling Center for Mountain Ecosystems (MCME) to launch a book.
The various tree species around the DOST compound were documented to enrich the country’s knowledge bank on forestry. The book contains photographs and description of the identified tree species around the compound and is set to be released at the second quarter of 2016.
The book involves a 100 percent inventory of trees and associated plants in the area. The project also include the mapping of these individual trees found in the area using open source Geographic Information System (GIS) software. To date, a total of 130 tree species coming from 38 families were identified and mapped out. From these identified species, 38 were classified as indigenous/native and 10 are endemic to the Philippines.
The material aims to serve as reference material to researchers, botanists, plant, enthusiast and student, especially those who are frequently visiting the compound. The publication also seeks to secure appreciation towards flora and fauna and similarly strengthen the country’s knowledge bank.
Together with the launching of “Trees and Associated Plants at the dost Compound was another book titled “A Collection of Plants at the DOST Wellness Garden both of the 2015 Edition”
The two books were written by a team headed by Team Leader Dr. Teresita C. Fortuna, Regional Director, DOST-NCR and focal person, DOST National Greening Program. Contributors to “Trees and Associated Plants at the DOST compound are DR. Manuel Castillo, Associate Professor, Department of Forest Biological Science, College of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of the Philippines Los Baños;
Forester Jennifer A. Palaganas Science Research Specialist DOST-NCR; For Erickson F. Del Rosario, Watershed Management Officers Energy Department Corporation, Bason-Manito Geothermal Project; Dr. Nathaniel C. Bantayan, Director and Park Manager, Makiling Center for Mountain Ecosystem (MOME) UPLB Campus, Laguna;
For. Javier DM. Tianzon, Environmental Specialist, Hinatuan Mining Corporation, South Dinagat Nickel Project and; For, Leonardo D. Barua, University Extension Especialist, Makiling Center for Mountain Ecosystem (MCME) UPLB Campus, Laguna
For the book “ A collection of Plants at the DOST Wellness Garden, Contributors are Dr Constancio De Guzman, Professor, Crop Physiology Division, Crop Science Cluster, College of Agriculture UPLB Los Baños; Oscar B. Sevilla. Jr, Senior Science Research Specialist, DOST-NCR; Ryan Rodrigo Toyobong, Instructor 7, Crop Production and Management Division Crop Science Center, College of Agriculture UPLB; and
Bianca Claudetter R. Canlas, Scheme Research Sprecialist II, DOST-NCR and Katherine C. Mojica, Science Research Specialist I, DOST-NCR, (PSciJourn MegaManila)
