The town of Mabinay will use the endemic supply of Balete tree seedlings for its tree planting and reforestation programs.

Mayor Ernie Uy  has issued a memorandum to all municipal employees to bring five balete tree seedlings of any variety every day, for planting at the reforestation and watershed area of the town.

Uy said he did not receive any complaint from the employees, because balete seedlings are abundant in Mabinay, adding that the trees are good for reforestation because they can hold water 10 times more than other trees.

It is also a common belief that Balete tree houses paranormal beings, so most farmers never attempt to cut it, Uy said. This belief will help preserve the forest and spared them from illegal loggers, he added.

Farmers living near the reforestation and watershed area are tasked to plant and ensure that the trees will survive. They are also taught alternative livelihood like livestock raising and contour farming, Uy said.*MA

back to top