ISABELA (August 5, 2024)—At least 600 molave tree seedlings were planted in Cauayan City to address deforestation and promote environmental sustainability.
Diosdado Contillo, an officer of Isabela’s Community Environment and Natural Resources, said the Molave tree propagation project is in partnership with Jollibee Foods Corp. (JFC).
Contillo said the seedlings were planted at Sitio Bantay Pukaw, Barangay Rizal in San Guillermo town.
He said the initiative is part of the effort of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) “to increase forest cover and combat climate change integrating the company’s corporate social responsibility and community involvement.”
JFC Area Manager Franklin Tarun also committed support to the DENR National Greening Program as “we engage our employees and customers in making a meaningful difference for the environment.”
The Molave tree growing activity was also participated by 53 employees and students from Isabela State University-Cabagan and Cauayan campuses.
Contillo said the tree-growing initiative also aims to “build a call to action for environmental conservation by encouraging others to plant and grow trees this rainy season.”
Molave is a timber species which naturally grows in the province of Bohol and is considered the province’s flagship timber species.
It is generally used for furniture hand tools and is known for its durability as beams on bridges and as railroad ties without artificial preservatives.
With its antimicrobial, antifungal, carminative, anthelmintic, and digestive properties, it is also believed to help cure conditions such as poisons, diarrhea, stomatitis, anorexia, blindness, leprosy, worm infestation, rheumatic, swellings, jaundice, and dropsy, among others. LEANDER C. DOMINGO