Narra, mangkono, molave and other premium Philippine native tree species will soon be grown and propagated in Cebu City, thanks to the BINHI arboretum of native trees that Energy Development Corporation (EDC) inaugurated in the University of San Carlos (USC) campus in Talamban.
The arboretum, EDC’s 11th since 2008, was put up in partnership with USC and Knowles Electronics Corporation.
As part of the agreement, USC’s campus in Talamban will host a permanent designated area for premium and threatened Philippine tree species, supported by planting and promotional activities as well as funding from Knowles.
Cebu-based Knowles Electronics Corporation is the world’s largest manufacturer of audio-processing and precision device solutions.
EDC will provide the seedlings along with technical assistance for the protection and maintenance of the trees.
“This partnership with the University of San Carlos and Knowles Electronics is another valued synergy adding to our long list of collaborations from various sectors of business and society under BINHI,” said EDC corporate social responsibility and public relations head Atty. Allan Barcena.
“We are heartened with these synergies because they are an important indicator of how involved and committed many Filipino stakeholders are in the quest toward sustainable progress, and how they share in our vision for a greener energy future,” Barcena added.
As of 2018, BINHI has identified and rescued 96 species of prime and endangered Philippine hardwood. A total of 175,685 seedlings have been raised in nurseries, distributed and planted across 3,214 hectares with the help of 173 partner organizations and 88 farmers associations.
