Baguio pine trees dying due to beetle attacks

By Dexter A. See

BAGUIO CITY — Swarms of beetles are attacking trees in this mountain resort city and these are dying as a result, the city government disclosed Monday.

The beetle species attacking particularly pine trees (ips caligraphus), the City Environment and Parks Management Office, adding a number of pines and other tree species, especially those located in parks are now dying due to bark beetle attacks.

Officials revealed that apart from pines, mahogany and eucalyptus trees being propagated under a program of the Regional Development Council of Cordillera are also affected by beetle attack.
The CEPMO has already sought the help of the Forestry Division of the Benguet State University in La Trinidad, Benguet to assist in dealing with the beetle infestation.

Experts said the beetle infestation occurs when larvae of certain beetle species tunnel holes into timber causing severe damage and the eventual death of the trees.

If left unattended, the infestation may cause death and extinction of the trees even in a place known as the City of Pines.

The city government is alarmed because the beetle attack could affect the relentless efforts to preserve the city’s environment – a cool and romantic weather, pine-scented air and scenic spots that give life to the city’s tourism industry.