By incorporating science into the Program through the Commodity Roadmap, the significance of proper planting site characterization is keenly observed for greater productivity where higher chances of seedlings survival are noted. The NGP Commodity Roadmap then becomes a guide on what species best thrive in specific geographic locations to showcase what species-site and market matching can do to pursue the objectives of the NGP.
For 2012, Narra (Pterocarpus indicus) topped the list of 10 most planted species nationwide at 9,106,663 seedlings planted nationwide and where the highest concentration is found in Region 3 with a total of 1,428,523 seedlings planted. Narra, a native timber specieis used as structural timber for light to heavy construction and considered among the best for furniture, panelling, musical instruments, cabinet work, flooring and novelties.
With the DENR’s gradual shift to native or indigenous species, Mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla) exotic species, slid down to 4,224,511 seedlings planted throughout the country. It was first on the list the previous year. The most number of seedlings was planted in the Cordillera Administrative Region with 791,111 seedlings. Mahogany is used for high-class furniture and cabinet work.
A total of 3,881,846 Bakauan and other mangrove species were planted nationwide but mostly in Region 7 with 2,027,880 propagules. Mangroves play a significant role in the country’s food security efforts as they serve as breeding ground of various marine species.
Rubber (Hevea brasiliensis) is among forest species used for plantation. Primary uses for rubber products are found in the automotive, mining, agriculture, shipping, chemicals, pharmaceutical, and consumer industries. Out of the 3,399,195 seedlings planted nationwide, Region 9 planted a total of 1,350,250 seedlings lending support to the fact that it is in Mindanao that rubber are successfully grown commercially. Rubber is exotic species that can be planted alongside crops such as durian, rambutan, lanzones, coffee, calamansi and banana.
Falcata (Paraserianthes falcataria) is exotic tree species used in pulp, blackboard, fuelwood, furniture, toys, and handicrafts. A total of 1,544,830 seedlings have been planted in Region 13 out of the 3,342,405 seedlings planted nationwide.
Coffee is an industrial high-value crop both here and abroad, a popular beverage around the world. In the Philippines, coffee production areas are in Northern Mindanao, Southern Mindanao, Southern Tagalog, Western Visayas and Cagayan Valley. For CY 2012, coffee seedlings planted in various regions totalled 3,299,562 out of which 1,421,080 seedlings were planted in Region 12.
Gmelina (Gmelina arborea) is also exotic. This tree species’ many uses include pulp, veneer, light construction lumber, fuelwood, furniture, posts, particle board, poles, and plywood. The NGP planted a total of 1,572,949 Gmelina seedlings where 1,050,752 seedlings have been planted in the Cordillera Administrative Region.
Region 7 planted the most seedlings of Mangium (Acacia mangium) in 2012 with 879,573 seedlings out of the total 1,199,335 planted in other parts of the country. Mangium is exotic and used in general construction and furniture industry.
On the other hand, 1, 201,410 Cacao seedlings have been planted all over the country with the highest number planted in Region 11 at 330,360 seedlings. Local and international demand for this equatorial crop augurs well for the country because of its climate and soil characteristics.
Nangka (Artocarpus heteropyllus) comes last on the list with a grand total of 673,595 seedlings and with Region 6 having the most number of seedlings planted at 267,519 seedlings.
by: Ms. Irma Paulme
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