The Ifugao State University (IFSU) established an Arboretum of Indigenous Tree Species at its Hapao Campus on Aug. 30 as a continuing activity in celebration of the university’s 100 years of service.
As a jumpstart, 100 indigenous tree species were planted and added to the growing number of trees in the campus.
“We are happy to establish an Arboretum of Indigenous Trees as part of our efforts to increase and revitalize our local trees. As a university, it is also our function to transform our schools into green and safe learning areas. And more importantly, planting trees is our obligation to the next generation,” said IFSU-Hapao Campus Executive Director Jose G. Daniels in his message.
Eulalie D. Dulnuan, director for IFSU Ifugao Rice Terraces as Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System, said indigenous trees play an important role in the conservation of Ifugao biodiversity and heritage especially in the construction of native houses and other agricultural rituals and practices.
She added the availability of indigenous trees will contribute in continuing the practice of building native houses.
Raymundo Dong-e, president of Hungduan Woodcarvers and Furniture Makers Association also reiterated the importance of trees in the livelihood of the people in Ifugao.
IFSU Vice President for Research, Development, Extension, and Training Dinah Corazon M. Licyayo added the establishment of the arboretum is the university’s contribution in the effort to preserve indigenous trees as she called on other stakeholders to support the initiatives.
“Stewards of the environment are also heroes. The university cannot do it alone; we need more partners and stakeholders in our greening programs,” Licyayo said.
The establishment of the arboretum is part of a series of programs to develop IFSU-Hapao Campus as a center for indigenous studies.
Early this year, IFSU-Hapao Campus also launched its Indigenous Peoples Resource Conservation and Community Learning Center.
The tree planting was organized by IFSU in cooperation with Ifugao Satoyama Meister Alumni Network and Hungduan Woodcarvers and Furniture Makers Association and participated by different stakeholders and partners such as the community, Hungduan Municipal Police Station, Bureau of Fire Protection, and teachers from the Department of Education.
The activity is also part of the tree planting series supported by the ASEAN Green Network, a member of the International Partnership for Satoyama Initiatives, in which IFSU is a member. – Jude C. Baggo
April 20, 2024
