DENR looking into Buhisan infestation

CEBU, Philippines – A team from Department of Environment and Natural Resources-7 is looking into the infestation of teak trees around the watershed in Buhisan, Cebu City.

The team, composed of chief science research specialist Aguinaldo Bueno, foresters Joselito Sumabat and Nestor Molina, and biologist Reginaldo Bueno, will determine the damage of the infestation.

It will also identify the type of moth or caterpillar that is causing the infestation.

In a statement, DENR-7 director Leonardo R. Sibbacula said the team will study the effect of the infestation to the ecosystem in the watershed, saying that it is first time that it happened in the area.

He said they will coordinate with the Department of Agriculture-7 and the city agriculturist on measures to curtail the infestation.

"The infestation is a natural occurrence as it usually happens during the beginning of wet or rainy season as the leaves of the tree become succulent making it palatable to moths and caterpillars." Sibbaluca explained.

The Buhisan Watershed Forest Reserve is one of the oldest watershed reserves and one of the protected areas within the Central Cebu Protected Landscape (CCOL) under Republic Act No. 9486. It covers Barangay Buhisan, Pardo, Toong, Pamutan, and Sapangdako.

Thousands of teak trees were planted in almost 100 hectares of the 631-hectare watershed. The rest include mahogany, gmelia and other indigenous trees.

A yellowish brown timber with good grains and texture, teak tree (tectona grandis) is a deciduous type of tree that sheds its leaves during summer or dry season.

The tree is used in the manufacture of outdoor furniture, boat decks and other articles that are weather-resistant.

It is also used for cutting boards, indoor flooring, countertops, and as a veneer for indoor furnishings. (THE FREEMAN)