As part of the celebration of the Philippine Environment Month in June 2016 and the Philippine Arbor Day every 25th of June, the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) conducted a ceremonial tree planting activity organized by the Mine Safety, Environment and Social Development Division on June 27, 2016 at the MGB compound.
The endangered Mangkono (Xanthostemon verdugonianus Naves) together with the more elusive critically endangered Mapilig (Xanthostemon bracteatus Merr.) and Bago-adlao (Xanthostemon philippinensis Merr.) from Myrtaceae Family were among the species planted during the said activity. These species, also referred to as the members of ironwood family, can be found in ultramafic rocks or areas with high content of minerals/heavy metals, but can still grow in other soil type with varying conditions. The said species are metal hyper accumulator- an indicator of the presence of minerals which is common in all mining areas in the Philippines.
The MGB upholds the planting of premium seedlings of threatened Philippine endemic tree species that can be found in mineral lands of the country. This will also serve as a venue to showcase the species widely used or can be used by the mining companies in the rehabilitation of the disturbed areas.
The species planted at the MGB compound are classified under category A – Critically Endangered Species and B - Endangered Species in the Department of Environment and Natural Resources Administrative Order No. 2007-01 "Establishing the National List of Threatened Philippine Plants and their Categories, and the List of other Wildlife Species"
By: Mine Safety, Environment and Social Development Division
Mining Technology Division and Mine Safety, Environment and Social Development Division
Office of the Director and Legal Services Division
Lands Geological Survey Division and Marine Geological Survey Division
Financial Management Division and Administrative Division
Mining Tenements Management Division and Mineral Economics, Information and Publication Division