San Miguel: The Department of Environment and Natural Resources in Caraga Region (DENR-13) and the North Eastern Mindanao State University (NEMSU) have embarked on a collaborative project to establish a 100-hectare arboretum in San Miguel, Surigao del Sur. This initiative is part of a broader reforestation effort in the area.

According to Philippines News Agency, the arboretum will primarily focus on cultivating Dipterocarp flowering trees. The collaboration between DENR and NEMSU began after the university expressed interest in participating in the DENR’s ongoing reforestation program.

The planned arboretum will feature various ecosystems, including the Lanipao and bamboo forests, providing an environment conducive to both conservation efforts and academic research. NEMSU highlighted the arboretum’s potential as a site for academic studies and conservation projects.

A memorandum of agreement was signed on February 21 by DENR-13 Officer-In-Charge Director Maritess Ocampo and NEMSU President Nemesio Loayon. Under this agreement, the DENR will be responsible for conducting surveys and offering technical assistance, while NEMSU will focus on establishing nursery facilities and maintaining the seedlings.