Pioneer in Falcata Farming

It all started in Bislig or in Surigao del Sur in general and in nearby provinces where Paraserianthes falcataria (falcata) a fast growing tree species is first grown commercially. This tree species attracts the populace in the community due to its suitability in the intercropping of coffee, abaca, and rootcrops, and the stability of the market for its wood/timber. The areas embracing the program of falcata planting are the provinces of Surigao del Sur, Davao del Norte, Davao Oriental, and Agusan del Sur.

The primary source of livelihood of the people living within these areas is agriculturally based. Long before the paper mill of PICOP become operational in 1972, the Agro-Forestry Department already started promoting the establishment and maintenance of falcata tree farms by farmers living within a 100-km radius from its millsite in Mangagoy, Bislig, Surigao del Sur, to supply anticipated mill requirements for timber. Landowners then were invited to participate in this project and required to enter into a Marketing Agreement Contract with PICOP through the Agro-Forestry Department. At first, we were reluctant, fearing the proposed tie-up would ultimately fall. However, after PICOP conducted a massive information campaign through media, seminars, and dialogues, we were fmally convinced and made commitments. Moreover, we have a moral obligation to PICOP because the company had already assisted us in self-help projects in our respective communities long before the launching of the Falcata Tree Farming Program. Henceforth, we were attracted into tree farming and over the years, the said agricultural venture evolved into a full-blown sunrise pulpwood industry as it stands today. A vital ingredient to the success of the tree planting program is the active participation of farmers throughout the region.

Plantation development and product utilization

The technical skills acquired by farmer-participants in the series of seminars conducted by PICOP Agro-Forestry Department staff from time to time enabled us greatly in developing and managing our individual tree farms. Seedlings were obtained from PICOP nurseries on credit supplied to us at cost deductible from proceeds after the first harvest, eight years later. In some cases, farmers who have the means provide their own seedlings by putting up their own mini-nurseries. In all instances, PICOP always provides technical advisory assistance to us during planing, maintenance, and harvesting.

Foremost at the start of development is the selection of a plantation site, which is usually located on high ground, as falcata trees do not thrive on waterlogged areas. The site preparation follows, which includes clearing and cleaning of rubbish. Next is staking, spaced at 4 x 4 m between and along lines, hole digging, and planting with a total population of 625 plants/ha. Great care is given in tending the young plants by means of ring weeding of about I m diameter around the plant. This job is repeated every three months thereafter until the sixth and final pass 1-1/2 years later when the trees are big and tall enough to prevent vines from climbing on the trunks. Maintenance work is minimized after this stage and clearing is done sparingly when deemed necessary. Falcata trees are considered harvestable at the age of eight years or older. It may be thinned in the fifth year by harvesting slender and stunted trees to allow the healthier trees to grow bigger and taller. Thinned trees are bucked and sold to PICOP for pulpwood.

Benefits and profits derived from tree farming

Rotten falcata leaves serve as organic fertilizer, as it restores or reconditions soil fertility. While the plants are still young (I month to 1-2 yr old), intercropping is done with short-term crops like corn, rice, sweetpotatoes, and cassava. When the plants grow older, farmers may intercrop with biennial crops like taro, abaca, bananas, or coffee.

Rehabilitation of an established falcata farm is less expensive after harvesting because the stumps will rejuvenate through coppicing, hence replanting is no longer necessary. Falacta farming is profitable if established in commercial scale because PICOP guarantees buying falcata logs within 100 km radius from its millsite or beyond at fair and reasonable prices. Periodically, prices are also adjusted by PICOP commensurate to a prevailing market price index. Very recently, prices were adjusted on all grades at an average of Php 50.00 per diameter classification bracket effective October 1, 1994. Also, fly-by-night buyers from outside who attempted to compete with PICOP in falcata log buying failed miserably because the whole-tree concept buying scheme is still considered most attractive, and no other buying scheme conceived at present could surpass it.

Tree farming venture has been very profitable, and even after our first harvest, we were already beginning to realize prosperity for the first time in our lives. I can readily attest to this, being one of its proud beneficiaries. Out of the proceeds of the sale of falcata logs delivered to PICOP, I was able to send three of my children through college, built a modest house complete with furniture and appliances, and still was able to save an amount to acquire additional land for my family. I am a contented farmer materially because the comforts in life deprived of me while still employed in PICOP, have been realized now that I am engaged in tree farming.

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