ILOILO City – Twelve native and endemic tree species thriving within the Iloilo Provincial Capitol Complex have been identified and marked as part of the provincial government’s campaign to preserve indigenous trees and transform Iloilo into a forest province by 2044.
Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr., joined by provincial department heads, led the unveiling of identification markers beside the trees on November 9, highlighting the importance of protecting native species and raising public awareness of their ecological value.
The initiative, spearheaded by the Provincial Government Environment and Natural Resources Office (PGENRO), coincided with the observance of National Environmental Awareness Month.
The markers provide residents and visitors with information about the trees, promoting greater appreciation of Iloilo’s native biodiversity and the need to conserve it.
The 12 identified species are Alibangbang (Bauhinia malabarica), Bagawak Morado (Clerodendrum quadriloculare), Balai-Lamok (Crateva religiosa), Balitbitan (Cynometra ramiflora), Kansilay (Cratoxylum sumatranum), and Labayanan (Radermachera coriacea).
Also identified were Lanete (Wrightia pubescens), Mangkono (Xanthostemon verdugonianus), Salingogon (Cratoxylum formosum), Iloilo Tree (Aglaia argentea), Molave (Vitex parviflora), and Narra (Pterocarpus indicus), including its prickly and smooth varieties.
The initiative forms part of Defensor’s flagship “Tanum Iloilo” program, which seeks to transform Iloilo into a forest province by 2044 through sustained tree-growing activities and the expansion of forest cover.
Beyond identifying the trees, the project reinforces the provincial government’s commitment to environmental education, biodiversity conservation and sustainable management of natural resources.
By turning the Capitol grounds into a showcase of native tree species, the provincial government aims to encourage greater public participation in protecting Iloilo’s remaining indigenous vegetation and supporting its long-term reforestation efforts./PN
