Forests provide more than timber as they help regulate water supply, protect biodiversity, prevent soil erosion, and mitigate climate change. At the heart of successful reforestation efforts are quality seeds and planting materials that ensure healthy, resilient, and productive forest plantations.
To increase the supply of quality seeds and planting materials, the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD) funded the establishment and enhancement of the Mindanao Forest Tree Seed Center (MFTSC) and Training Hub under the Forest and Wetland Research, Development and Extension Center (FWRDEC) of the Ecosystems Research and Development Bureau (ERDB) in Bislig, Surigao del Sur.
The MFTSC serves not only as a source of genetically superior and quality forest tree seeds, but as a center for seed source identification, tracing, and documentation, as well that further support reforestation, biodiversity conservation, and plantation development initiatives across Mindanao and other parts of the country.
The newly established center is featured in the DOST-PCAARRD series, Lakbay GALING. The newest episode takes viewers inside the MFTSC, highlighting its seed production facilities, Tree Farmers Training Hub, and science-based technologies that help produce quality forest tree seeds. As part of DOST-PCAARRD’s Good Agri-Aqua Livelihood Initiatives toward National Goals (GALING)-PCAARRD Program, the documentary showcased how research, innovation, and technology transfer contribute to sustainable forestry development, while improving the capacities of forestry stakeholders and local communities.
One of the center's notable innovations is the development of Seed Technology Protocols that guide stakeholders in improving seed quality, germination, and seedling survival. These protocols are particularly important for native forest tree species, which often require specialized handling and treatment. Highlighting the center's science-based approach to quality seed production, Forester Joan S. Gilbero pointed to the importance of proper seedling production and plantation management.
"There are techniques that can help produce quality seedlings. Plantation management is also critical because insect pests and diseases are always present in the field. Through the Tree Farmers Training Hub (TFTH), we relay science-based information that helps farmers establish quality plantations," she said.
Among the beneficiaries of the center's capacity-building initiatives is Lynbert B. Sancho of the National Greening Program (NGP), who participated in the Basic Training on Quality Seed Production. Sancho claimed that the training enhanced his understanding of establishing and managing Seed Production Areas (SPAs), particularly the importance of maintaining the genetic identity and origin of forest tree species. The knowledge gained from the training enables participants to apply science-based approaches in seed production and support reforestation initiatives in their respective areas. To expand the reach of its technologies, the MFTSC established the TFTH, a platform for knowledge sharing and capacity building among forestry stakeholders. Through training programs on seed production, nursery management, plantation establishment, and technology-based tree farming, the participants gain practical skills that can be applied in their communities and organizations. Dr. Dennis M. Gilbero highlighted how the center's technologies continue to reach more communities through partnerships with local institutions.
"We are now providing the same technologies to the Local Government Unit of Agusan del Sur. They are already adopting the technologies developed here in the MFTSC to assist tree farmers," he said. Forester Rex Mel P. Acedillo, Acting Provincial Government Department Head of the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) of Agusan del Sur, emphasized the importance of quality seeds in sustaining the forestry sector. As a major producer of logs and forest-based products, Agusan del Sur stands to benefit significantly from improved planting materials supplied through forest tree seed centers. He noted that the availability of superior seeds can help improve the quality of raw materials produced by future plantations.
Beyond supporting reforestation efforts, the MFTSC contributes to the long-term sustainability of the forestry sector by providing access to genetically superior forest tree seeds and science-based technologies. Through its training programs and technical assistance initiatives, the center helps improve plantation productivity, strengthen stakeholders' capacities, and create livelihood opportunities for communities that depend on forest resources.
Former MFTSC Head, Forester Renato G. Bacsal, Jr., said that the ultimate goal remains clear – to produce quality planting materials that support sustainable forestry development while contributing to the protection, conservation, and productivity of the country's forest resources. Through its continued investments in research, development, extension, and technology transfer initiatives, DOST-PCAARRD has played a vital role in strengthening the center. The Council's support has enabled the development of seed technologies, training programs, and knowledge-sharing activities that improve forest plantation management and sustainable forestry development.
Discover how science and technology are helping restore Philippine forest trees by watching the latest episode of DOST-PCAARRD's Lakbay GALING Series featuring the MFTSC, now available on the official YouTube channel. Subscribe to DOST-PCAARRD's YouTube channel and follow its official social media platforms for more stories of science-driven innovations that empower communities and advance the agriculture, aquatic, and natural resources sectors.