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Good morning. My name is Christian, and I will be your discussant for this afternoon. This report is all about the Classifications of Philippine Forests. Mr. Florencio Tamesis was the former Director Bureau of Forestry and the man considered as the Father of of Philippine Forestry. He classified the Philippine forests into five categories. Dipterocarp Type Forest This is the forest type in which members of the Dipterocarp family from the predominating timber species, about 75 percent volume. This forest type is the main source of raw materials for the lumber industry. In addition, about 70 percent of the entire lumber output is represented by the lauan family (another term for Philippine mahogany. This type of forest thrives under a variety of conditions, from moist river bottoms to hilly and mountainous country, and make up the upper story in more or less stands. These lower stories are made up of largely of unmerchantable species, of shrubs and vines, such as rattans, a naturally renewable palm. This forest type is the primary resource of raw materials for the lumber industry. Molave Type Forest This type of forest is more open than the dipterocarp type and the volume of timber per unit is much less, averaging 30 cubic meter per hectare. Most of the species found in this type of forest produce woods that are highly valued for their natural beauty and durability. This type of forest usually occurs in regions where there are distinct wet and dry season. Vegetation is mostly leafless during dry seasons, but in wet seasons, it sprouts with rich and profuse growth. Pine-type Forest Occurs in the high mountainous regions of northern Luzon and Mindanao. The stand, as a rule, is open and scattered, averaging 45 cubic meter per hectare. The principal species is the Benguet pine, while tapulau is found in the high mountains of Zambales and Mindoro. These two species of pine supply turpentine – fluid obtained by the distillation of resin, and rosin – solid form of resin. The principal species is the Benguet pine, while tapulau is found in the high mountains of Zambales and Mindoro. The pine of Benguet is generally used for mining and construction purposes. Mangrove Type Forest Occurs in tidal flats at the mouths of streams and on the shores of protected bays. These species could be used for construction if they could be made more durable by treatment. Along streams in many parts of the tidal flats grows the nipa palm species. Its leaves are used for thatch – a roof covering of palm leaves, its sap for manufacture of vinegar alcohol, wine, and sugar. Mangrove is a small tree that particularly grows in coastal areas. The roots of mangrove served as a natural barrier against violent floods and surges. And are the principal sources of tanbark, firewood, and charcoal. Beah Type Forest Above high tide limits are sandy beaches, where the original vegetation has been left undisturbed. The frontal zone usually consists of a tangle vegetation, of which pandan, forms a conspicuous part. This type of forest can be found along the beach; and forms a narrow strip along the sandy coast of the beach. Mid mountain and Mossy Type Forest These types, found on high and very rough mountainous regions, are essentially protection forest. Rainfall and humidity are high. Exposed to strong winds, trees are mostly dwarfed and usually covered with mosses, liverworts, and epiphytic orchids. Moss covers most tree trunks and branches, often hanging in sheets, and most ground surfaces covered by moss. Timber and Minor Forest Products Philippine forest products are generally classified into two groups, namely: (1) timber, and (2) minor forest products, which include all products of the forest other than timber. Principal Timber Species are grouped into six general classes: (1) the lauan, (2) apitong, (3) guijos, (4) yokels, (5) other dipterocarps, and (6) legumes. The Lauan (Philippine Mahogany) The softer members of the dipterocarp family. The red lauans include tangile, tiaong, Shorea teysmanniana, and true red lauan, which constitute the dark-red Philippine mahogany. The white lauans include the real white lauans; almon, S. eximia; bagtikan, Parashorea sp,; manggasinoro, Dacryodes incurvate, kalunti, S. kalunti, and mayapis, S. palosapis, which constitute the light-red Philippine mahogany. The wood name Philippine Mahogany is a loose term that applies to several wood species coming from southeast Asia. Another common name for this wood is Meranti: while yet another name that is commonly used when referring to plywood made of this type of wood is Lauan. The red and white lauans are moderately heavy and durable for interior work when used without wood. They are not suitable for heavy structure and exposure to the weather. Apitong The most abundant of the heavier and stronger structural timbers of the dipterocarp family. It lasts for a long time when used without sapwood, not exposed to the weather or in contact with ground. Properly treated, apitong is the equal in durability of molave, dungon, Tarrieta sylvatica, ipil, and yakal for structures exposed to the weather and is superior to any of these for saltwater piling. This native tree is commonly used by communities to in watersheds for erosion control. Apitong responds admirably to process treatment and is the most important framework wood used in wooden construction. Guijo This is like apitong in many respects, especially in color. The wood of guijo is strong, relatively easy to work and has good wearing qualities. It is best suited for beams and joists, for automobile and truck framing, and for other vehicles. Like apitong, the wood moves in process of seasoning and should be properly dried if the best service is to be expected. Once thoroughly dried, however, both woods stay put. Yakal The hardest and strongest member of the lauan family. This wood is resistant to decay, which makes it particularly suitable for structures exposed to the weather. It moves about as much as guijo, and best results can only be obtained when it is well seasoned before using. It is an excellent substitute for ipil for house posts and bridge timbers and is recommended wherever great strength and durability are required. Akle, Narra, Ipil, and Tindalo These are all belong to the legume family, which furnishes most of the valuable cabinet timbers. Akle (Serialbizia acle) is brownish in color and is excellent wood for cabinet making. Narra (Pterocarpus indicus) is reddish yellow to dark red. The yellow variety is more common and more readily obtainable than the red. Tindalo (Afzelia rhomboidea) a beautiful, hard red wood that darkens with age, and it has a beautiful grain and is durable. Another popular wood is ipil (Intsia bijuga). Ipil is commonly used for house posts because of its great durability and strength. With the adoption of concrete foundations, even woods of moderate durability can be expected to last for many years (Unsaya-Vol. 2, No. 6. –Philippine Forests and Forestry). The legume family consists of plants that produce a pod with seeds inside. Akle is found in northern Luzon to Palawan and Negros in humid lowland forest from sea level to 150 meters. It sheds off its leaves when flowering starts. The young leaves develop during flowering. The Philippine national tree is the sturdy and durable narra, which symbolizes the Filipino people’s indomitable spirit and strength of character. Tindalo is a tree with an average height of 25 to 30 meters and a diameter of 60 to 80 meters. Ipil is commonly used for house posts because of its great durability and strength. Fishery Resources With its territorial waters measuring as much as 1.67 million square kilometers and located in the world’s fishing center, the Philippines is rich in marine resources. Of the 2,400 fish species found in the country, 65 have good commercial value. Human Resources Philippine Human Resources is one of the country’s outstanding attributes aside from other natural resources. According to the 2009 Annual Labor and Employment Status, out of the projected 91.56 million populations, 59.327 million are those ages 15 years and over, or 64% of the population is the labor force participation rate. A data shows that 2009 GNP share of OFW remittances is 9.5%.