Betel nut trees to landscape Ifugao roads, boost tourism

By Vency D. Bulayungan

LAGAWE, Ifugao – This province, known for betel nut-(moma) chewing natives, has upped the ante to promote tourism and environmental consciousness by planting the tree along roads in the province.

               

The provincial government has provided funds for said purpose, board member SamonAtluna said, adding roadsides of the Aguinaldo-Mayoyao-Banaue and Lamut roadsides will be planted with moma to lessen erosion and provide more greenery for endangered fauna.

He said moma trees will also serve as protection to traveling vehicles from falling since most roads were carved on steep mountain ridges.

Atluna said that there were also socio-economic and cultural benefits since the moma was was in demand in the local market and could be additional source of income for the Ifugaos aside from attracting more tourists.

Chewing moma is a tradition of the Ifugao people as a way of socializing with neighbors and friends, locals said.

They share with each other the ingredients  such as  moma, hapid (icmo), apor (lime powder) and tobacco.

In sharing, they develop a special bonding among themselves which is beneficial in the development of a very strong relationship that binds them together as  a people.

Atluna said the provincial government shall provide seedlings for planting and will also be responsible in planting moma.

“The provincial engineering office shall be responsible in identifying roadsides for planting and supply information on length to determine the total number of seedlings to be produced,” Atluna said.

The Provincial Agriculture Office shall be responsible in providing the seedlings.

Maintenance men assigned to maintain the provincial roads shall be responsible in planting momawith  technical assistance of the provincial Environment office.

The amount of P150,000 will be allocated annually by the provincial government  for three consecutive years for purchase and propagation of moma, Atluna said.