SAN FERNANDO CITY, Mar. 18 (PIA) -- The City Government of San Fernando, through the Environment and Natural Resources Office (ENRO), has spearheaded the planting of bitaog trees at the Kasay Marine Protected Area in Canaoay village here on Thursday.

Rose Ann Valdez, environmental specialist, said “Ang bitaog tree ang napiling itanim dahil suited ito sa coastal. Kaya nitong mabuhay kahit mainit at nalalagyan ng tubig alat. Yung purpose nito ay for the prevention ng coastal erosion and aesthetic purposes.”  

Bitaog tree, scientifically known as Calophyllum Inophyllum, is considered as an endangered species and offers a wide array of uses, from energy, construction, cosmetics to medicine.

The team has initially rooted bitaog trees in the coastal areas of Barangays Dalumpinas Oeste and Canaoay in 2020 and 2021, respectively.

This year, the team shall continue the bitaog tree planting activity in six barangays namely: San Agustin, San Francisco, Pagdalagan, Pagudpud, Canaoay, and San Vicente.

ENRO also planted coconut trees. (JCR/AMB/KJCR, PIA La Union)