Mr. Jose M. Remollo III, Science Research Specialist I, Mr. Jovanie F. Mejio, Science Research Assistant, Mr. Jay-em-em Jumawan, Research Assistant, and Ms. Vivian M. Calambro, Science Research Specialist II recently conducted the first leg of evaluation for the shortlisted entries in connection with the search for the ‘Largest and Oldest Rubber Tree in the Philippines’ contest on October 8-11, 2024.
Histories recorded that Dr. James W. Strong introduced rubber to Basilan in 1904, which led to the establishment of the Basilan Rubber plantation partnership with J.M Menzi corporation in 1910. Large-scale plantations then started during the 1930s when the American Rubber Corporation leased and was eventually sold to B.F Goodrich, later on it was managed by a British-Malayan firm Sime Darby Corporation, expanding the plantation up to 4,000 hectares in Sumisip and Tipo-tipo, Basilan.
During their visit, three rubber trees were evaluated in Basilan while nine rubber trees were shortlisted in Zamboanga Sibugay for their girth size and age. Girth measurements were taken one meter above ground level, and plantation histories were considered in the evaluation process.
Collected plant materials will be propagated at the Philippine Rubber Research Institute (PRRI) nursery for genetic conservation. This initiative aims to produce PRRI series clones that are not only high yielding but also resilient to disease.
