Why native trees

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mar09

Senior Member
Sep 17, 2014
4,927
1,259
113
#1
This could be in the news forum, but i'd like the filipinos to see this, and plant a tree or two again when we can. It is both sad and encouraging.

Why native trees?


Published February 7, 2018, 10:00 PM



By Flor G. Tarriela
At a recent typhoon that hit Metro Manila on the way to Tagaytay, I noticed many fallen trees, Acacia and Tulip trees. Later I found out these fallen trees were actually “alien” trees and not native to the Philippines.
But wonder of wonders in typhoon Ondoy, a Dita tree stood tall and saved 36 lives in Quezon City! The Dita tree, like most native trees is a survivor tree. I’m happy that a few years back, FINEX together with MNTC Rod Franco had the project of greening NLEX with Dita trees, now fully grown.
What’s with native trees? Native trees adapt naturally to its local surrounding such as the micro-organism in soil, thus more resilient, that they don’t topple easily. Just like us locals, we don’t get upset stomach immediately from drinking local water or eating local food as foreigners do.
Mr. Oscar Lopez, Chairman Emeritus of Lopez Holdings, says that sometime back, the Philippines had 94% cover with forests. In 1945 it was still 66% or 2/3 covered...

https://business.mb.com.ph/2018/02/07/why-native-trees/
 

maxwel

Senior Member
Apr 18, 2013
9,261
2,386
113
#2
Just FYI, the idea of "native trees" also works as a metaphor for other things, like missions work.

When missionaries go to any country to start new works, and plant churches, their end goal SHOULD BE to nurture a church full of local people that can eventually minister to themselves WITHOUT the missionary. Because a local church, in any country, is always strongest if it's made of "native trees", and if it's run by "native trees."

A wise missionary, even though he may love the people he works with, will realize he will never be a "native tree."
 
S

Sweetmorningdew78

Guest
#3
Yep! Oh this post makes me remember a tree that lived maybe a 100 year old (not sure but it was the oldest tree in the town) when I was young I used to passed by to that tree... strong and big and very healthy although it looks scary to some of my friends because they said "kapre" a myth creature guarding the big old tree :D it scared me a bit but not totally ruined how beautiful that tree in my eyes. looking at the tree brought back scenes about the people who maybe played around that tree... Rested under the sheds and how many typhoons hit the place but the tree managed to survive...that tree became a part of my life ....everyday I always glance where it is situated...every time I walk by that tree or see the strong green leaves my heart is warmed :)




After more or less 6 years I went back to my hometown ...memories flashed back through my mind ...and I remember that sturdy old tree....I glanced to the side where it was planted and my heart sank when I saw no traces of that old sturdy tree... :( the government removed it to give way some improvement in the town....what I saw was a dull government building....sad....I was very sad....
 

mar09

Senior Member
Sep 17, 2014
4,927
1,259
113
#4
Just FYI, the idea of "native trees" also works as a metaphor for other things, like missions work.

When missionaries go to any country to start new works, and plant churches, their end goal SHOULD BE to nurture a church full of local people that can eventually minister to themselves WITHOUT the missionary. Because a local church, in any country, is always strongest if it's made of "native trees", and if it's run by "native trees."

A wise missionary, even though he may love the people he works with, will realize he will never be a "native tree."
Thank you, maxwel, for the share, and pointing out the strength of native trees in missions. Now i am remembering some native tree missionaries who go out of their way to reach the unreached ppls of a few of the many islands we have!