Centennial narra tree eyed to boost tourism

JAGNA, BOHOL, Philippines — Officials of barangay Mayana, about 15 kms. uphill from this eastern bustling port town, are wishing to make its centennial narra tree a tourism come-on of their barangay.

Barangay Chairman Sofronio Gallano issued this statement when personnel of the DENR-7, led by provincial environment and natural resources officer (PENRO) Nestor Canda, recently inspected the area where the century-old narra is located.

The tree is already protected via a legislative measure, approved by the Barangay Council, after it was declared in 1998 as the number three among the largest in the country, said Canda, adding that it is also the largest national tree (narra) that ever grew in the Philippines, so far.

Canda said the tree is still towering with its beautiful canopy and big branches intact. It is growing on a hillside, overlooking the minute rice terraces below, in an area of about a hectare with lush and green surroundings along with other tree species.

The lot was formerly owned by Jose Salingubay, Sr. who sold it to a certain Roy Quilistino, a Cebuano.

The centennial tree's height is estimated to reach as high as a hundred feet and its trunk as wide as the span of the extended arms of about five or six persons, linking each other.

Canda said the tree is really centennial, as it grows slowly because it originates from a native kind, hence, like other species; it grows as old as this.

He said that he will make a directive to clear the trees of parasites, like ferns and picus-like species or balete so it will not be deprived of the nutrients it needs and prevent it from dying this early.

Barangay Mayana of Jagna, a town 63 kms from Tagbilaran City, could make the tree a tourist attraction, Gallano told The FREEMAN, besides its being the flower and vegetable capital of Bohol due to its year-round favorable climate.

Mayana further takes pride of its being one of the suppliers of bongan banana production for export to Japan, and a major rice producer in the district, Gallano added.

On the way to the old narra tree, about half a kilometer away from the paved highway, onions (sibuyas), beans and tomatoes, African daisies and anthurium flowers, cultivated by home-based growers, abound.

Along the highway, home-based growers of cut flowers and vegetables were evident as the barangay is blessed with abundant ever-flowing water supply and scenic greeneries along the highway.

This barangay, the highest point in Bohol, could be integrated into a tourism circuit from the town proper to Brgy. Matin-an of Sierra-Bullones town, where the Mountain Paradise resort is, and then to Carmen town where the Chocolate Hills is located.