The Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD) recently co-sponsored a workshop titled, “National Symposium/Workshop on the Sustainable Use of Philippine Native Plants,” hosted by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Biodiversity Management Bureau (DENR-BMB). Held on July 5 – 6, 2017 at the Brentwood Suites, Quezon City, the event gathered advocates coming from government agencies, private sectors, and state universities and colleges for the conservation of Philippine native plants and flora.
The workshop aimed to identify species of wild plants with potential or actual commercial use for inclusion in the list of Economically Important Species; document best conservation practices and sustainable uses of native plants; generate recommendations for R&D agenda for native plants; and provide venue to review the draft policy on the registration of plant nurseries establishments engaged in commercial propagation of plants.
Dr. Jocelyn E. Eusebio, Director of DOST-PCAARRD’s Crops Research Division, discussed the ongoing and completed programs and projects collaborated with international and local agencies, organizations, and institutions in line with the overall goals of DOST-PCAARRD's Industry Strategic S&T Program (ISP) for Biodiversity. The ISP promotes biodiversity conservation and development of biodiversity-based products. The programs and projects under the ISP focus on the conservation of the Philippine native agricultural genetic resources.
During the two-day training, workshops on the identification and use of economically important plant species and the R&D Agenda on Philippine Native Plants were conducted. The participants formed into groups to discuss the different issues with regard to the current situation of the floriculture industry and the existing policies and protocols in the conservation and protection of Philippine native plants and flora.
Among the outputs are recommendations such as the revision of the list of threatened, endangered, and critically endangered plants; simplification of the policies and protocols; revival of the Philippine Wild Flora Council; and the intensification of R&D in Philippine native plants and product development and its utilization.
The workshop served as a tool for the bureau to solicit suggestions and recommendations on the different sectors in the implementation of the rules and regulations on sustainable use of native plants for the benefit of the industry.