THERE ARE 3, 600 identified native tree species spread throughout our scattered islands 67% of which are endemic, to start with a cold fact. And 4 book editions of Philippine Native Trees so far that have introduced 825 of them – both their scientific properties and through the fascinating encounters of nature lovers with a leaf up to the full growth.
A GEM OF A COMPENDIUM
I am blessed to have taken a peek at the four editions. PNT 101, 102, and 103 were mostly narrations by non-botanists on personal encounters with particular native trees. Some are on summer memories of tree-climbing and fruit picking, of discovered medicinal value of some trees, of accidental spotting during hiking, of flowers in full bloom enticing cameras, of old furniture made of enduring wood, of seeds/leaves/and fruits flavoring gastronomical treats, and a lot more. How I wished my untrained eye was able to find a tree not yet featured!
Then comes the fourth. I witnessed “Philippine Native Trees 404: Rooted and Rising” launched to a rapt audience one afternoon in April. The book is overwhelmed by its thickness and scope: 924 pages, with 445 tree features beautifully photographed and interestingly narrated.
The “making of” stories by the top creatives – Renato Redentor Constantino (1 of 4 editors), Jason Mansibang and Lillian Jennifer Rodriguez (scientists/educators) did a good shove to buy the book (P2,500 paper-bound, P3,000 hard-bound).
A life’s work this seems for Imelda Sarmiento, the brains and over-all coordinator for the series of 4 books. Another cap to the publisher Green Convergence for Safe Food, Healthy Environment and Sustainable Economy.
TWO ENVIRONMENT CHAMPIONS
Two men, now both deceased, were praised and thanked during the event led by speaker Federico “Piki” Lopez, Chairman/CEO of First Philippine Holdings.
One is Leonard Co, the country’s foremost botanist and taxonomist who greatly inspired today’s forest scientists with his intense love for the forests and with his amazing documentation and photos in the PNT series.
The other is Dr. Oscar M. Lopez (Piki’s father), who had personally encouraged, followed, and financially supported the publication of the first 3 editions and children’s books on native trees.
His family now sustains “Father Nature”’s mission of caring and stewardship for the environment. One proof is the generous contribution of FPH, a Lopez Group Company which supports various environmental projects.
SAVING TREES
Although the 4-book series of Philippine Native Trees seems a significant achievement, Sarmiento reminds that our native trees remain endangered and we should heed the quote of Leonard Co: “Love all trees but plant only our native trees.” Why native trees? They blend naturally with the local environment – the soil, other organisms and microbial life. Take it from ecologists.
I can bet Philippine Native Trees 404: Rooted and Rising can receive another Outstanding Book award just as an early edition in the series did. (Book is available thru greenconvergencephil@gmail.com).