JAGNA - Officials of barangay Mayana, about 15 kms. uphill from this eastern bustling port town, are wishing to make the barangay a tourism come-on with its centennial Narra tree in the near future, according to barangay captain Sofronio Gallano. This town is about 63 kms. from capital of Tagbilaran City. Gallano made this remarks after the Department of Environment and Natural Resources personnel made an inspection recently of the area where the tree grows. The tree is already protected through a legislative measure approved by the barangay following it was declared in 1998 as the number three among the largest in the country, said Provincial Environment and Natural Resources officer Nestor Canda. And it is the largest national tree ever grows in the whole country, so far. Canda together with this writer said the tree is still towering with its beautiful canopy and big branches intact overlooking a hill and down to the minute rice terraces. The area of about a hectare with lush and green surroundings where the said tree grows and other tree species was then owned by Jose Salingubay, Sr. but he sold it to a certain Roy Quilistino, a Cebuano. The centennial tree’s height is estimated to reach as high as a hundred feet and its trunk as wide as about five or six persons linking their arms. 

Canda said that the tree is really centennial as it grows slowly because it originates from a native kind, hence, like other species, this old native tree grows as old as this. He said that he will make a directive to clear the trees of parasites, like ferns and picus-like species or balite so it will not deprive of the nutrients it needs and prevent it from dying this early. This barangay could make it a tourism come-on, said Gallano in an interview, because the barangay boasts of its being the flower and vegetable capital of Bohol because of its favorable climate all year round. It also boasts of its being one of suppliers of banana Bongan production for export to Japan, he added. The barangay is also a major rice producer in the district. On the way to the old Narra tree, about half a kilometer away from the paved highway, onions (sibuyas), beans and tomatoes, African daisy and antorium grown by home-based growers are abound. Along the highway, home-based growers of cut flowers and vegetables are evident as the barangay is blessed with abundant ever-flowing water supply plus its scenic greenery views along the highway. This barangay, the highest point in Bohol, could be integrated into a tourism circuit from town proper on the way to barangay Matin-an, Sierra-Bullones town where Mountain Paradise resort then to Carmen town where the Chocolate Hills is located. But the hitches are the needed funds and support from other officials and if the congressman of third district is convinced with this plan then we will push for it, said Gallano. (RVO)