For centuries, the town of Paete, Laguna has been renowned for its traditional crafts of woodcarving and papier mache.
It was in recognition of this traditional art that the town was declared as the country's "Carving Capital" in 2005 by former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
However, forest denudation in rural areas of Laguna have resulted in the increasing scarcity of local wood that has been sourced for this traditional craft.
Realizing that only through sustainable measures could the old tradition be preserved for future generations, the local government of Paete has partnered with the Laguna State Polytechnic University (LSPU) to establish a sustainable supply of lumber.
Of particular interest is the Batikuling tree, which has been the preferred source of wood for making sculptures by local artisans.
“We had to plant Batikuling trees at the top of the mountain and this was supervised by the College of Agriculture of Laguna State Polytechnic University to sustain the supply of wood because there is a a log ban and Batikuling which is used by our wood carvers here is included in the list of trees with the log ban,” Paete tourism officer Gary Trencio told media.
The local government of Paete has provided a two-hectare Batikuling plantation to ensure a steady supply of lumber for the town’s artisans.
Batikuling trees grown in this designated plantation are exempted from the national log ban that was first implemented in 2021, as they are owned by the local government and cultivated specifically for artisans.
This exemption ensures that local wood carvers can legally and sustainably access the necessary materials without violating environmental regulations.
This dedicated plantation serves as a controlled environment for cultivating Batikuling trees, reducing reliance on natural forests and helping the industry adapt to sustainable forestry practices.
Traditionally used in the creation of religious icons, furniture, and intricate sculptures, Batikuling has become increasingly scarce due to overharvesting and restrictions from the log ban.
Through this partnership, sustainable tree-planting and growing programs will be developed to promote responsible forestry management.
The university will also provide technical expertise on reforestation, proper wood selection, and alternative materials that can be utilized in carving while reducing environmental impact.
“We have to strictly monitor the needs and supply of trees, we don’t immediately supply it until there’s not much demand because it might be cut suddenly when you give all the wood and then there’s not much to be used from the LGU’s Batikuling plantation,” the tourism officer added.
The partnership is set to establish pilot reforestation sites and create a monitoring system to track the growth and harvesting of trees.
The long-term goal is to create a self-sustaining cycle where wood is replenished as it is used, ensuring a balance between cultural preservation and environmental responsibility.
(With report from the Philippine Information Agency)
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