This centennial Bitaug Tree in the coastal community of Caloc-an, Magallanes was believed
to be standing for more than 500 years even before the coming of the Spaniards in
the Philippines.
Based
on the marker set before the gigantic tree:
“ This Bitaug tree existed long
before 1523 based on existing set of maps which shows the island of Mindanao
with its Northeastern side named “Bitau” and “Batauo”, undoubtly referring to Bitaog
tree, as it was then the custom of Filipinos to name places after the trees.
This surviving Bitaog tree has also been a mute witness to many historical
events, among others are: (1) the initial evangelization of Mindanao; (2) the
birth of Caraga as a Region during the Spanish colonial period; (3) the
struggles of the Agusanons against the Americans; and (4) the quadracentennial
of the evangelization of Mindanao on September 7, 1997.”
To
get an idea how big this tree had grown , I asked a group of wandering youth
from the area to stand hand in hand around the tree. The six persons weren't enough to cover the whole trunk of the tree.


This
tree is usually used as ornamental plant for its grandiose canopy aside from
its hard wood that is prized for carving, furniture and boat making. Leaves and
fruits are poisonous but the seeds are the source of Calophyllum oil which is said to have a medicinal and healing
property for skin diseases and liniment for rheumatism in India.
A
view coming from a nature lover, seeing this old tree is a pleasure to my eyes
as it is now very seldom we encounter a living witness to our past.
What we
usually adore now in our escapes from our homes are gigantic malls and towering
buildings which in fact, ecologically speaking, do not produce any value to the
survival of living species on earth . But it is a
sad truth that the forests now is seen as source of huge income for some
capitalists not considering the lives that depend on it including the human
population. This is one of the reasons I migrated to a rural and forested area
and live healthier with a greener environment rather than in a concrete jungle
where all you will get are diseases due to the polluted habitat coming from the
so called ‘grand innovations of the century.’
Getting
there
Taking
a pump boat from Butuan City is way better and enjoyable activity while
traversing the Agusan River towards the delta town of Magallanes. From the city
proper, take a tricycle and tell the driver to drop you at the PPA or
Philippine Port Area. The fare is Php 8.00.
From the port terminal register on
the passenger manifest, fare is Php25.00. The pump boat leaves almost every 40 minutes.
Arriving at the port of Magallanes take a tricycle bound for the terminal tricycle
heading for Cabadbaran City, fare is Php 8.00. Take the tricycle bound for Cabadbaran
and just tell the driver that you shall alight at Bitaug. Usually drivers know
this marker but if not tell him to drop you at the Centennial Beach, the last
barangay (Caloc-an) leaving Magallanes, fare is Php 10.00.
wow...the tree was ginormous! seeing this in person must be really a treat. :) btw, i love your blog, it makes want to go to mindanao more and more because of all the things you post in here. :))
ReplyDeletexoxo,
Riza of rzzzp.blogspot.com/
i first thought that it was an acacia, and truly it is gigantic! wow!
ReplyDeleteThis is one of the reasons I migrated to a rural and forested area
ReplyDeleteand live healthier with a greener environment rather than in a concrete jungle
where all you will get are diseases due to the polluted habitat coming from the
so called ‘grand innovations of the century.’ - I admire your stand! I salute you for your integrity and passion!
.. and I'd love to have my picture taken with that gigantic tree!!! Thanks for the knowledge!:)
Bitaog is one of our country's native trees..
ReplyDeleteI remember going to the Underground River in Palawan..
By the beach, you have to pass a lush ticket of Bitaog tree by the entrance.
There are a few species, now mostly in Mindanao and Mimaropa regions.
Nice feature! Good to know that not only Balete's could grow this old and be a witness to our history.
More than 500 year-old tree... and still standing. I just hope this gigantic and historic living tree can be preserved for more generations to see. Imagine how long it has existed and how strong it has survived many natural disasters. Just amazing!
ReplyDeleteIt's good to know that they have preserved this tree to this day. I do hope that that century old tree is not alone, I hope there are other century old trees that can be found in that place and not just that lone landmark
ReplyDeleteI appreciate how you seek to provide your own brand of information about a place which you obviously love.
ReplyDeletewow, antique tree,lol.I wonder when can i see such old tree. My father said ,he has some really old trees in her home province but I never been there.He has narra trees right in his property.
ReplyDeleteHear, hear Dennis! I'm glad that you've decided to stay where you are now.. I guess, living in the metro has gotten me used to the populations already. But of course, nothing beats being in a place that is surrounded with lush greeneries. I hope that I get to see that magical and very historical tree someday too..
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing this very interesting information. Wow! oldest tree sa Pinas, hope I can see with my eyes this landmark.
ReplyDeleteThis tree is quite an attraction. I hope they get to preserve it.
ReplyDeletewow! that is huge! i hope this will still last for more years for the next generation to witness.
ReplyDeleteVery nice! This tree have witnessed a lot over the years. If only it can talk...
ReplyDeleteCool inormation about Bitaog Tree :) Well, its huge and a little bit scary. But to think that this tree is a witness of how time form the early phase of human civilization - intriguing as it is.
ReplyDeleteWow, at 500 years old, this must be one of the oldest trees in the country which is publicly accessible. DLSU's Centennial Tree is exactly 100 years old this year and it's smack in the middle of our campus. I hope we protect these living guardians of our history well - to be enjoyed another hundred years.
ReplyDeleteHello, Im posting a blog about Mllenium tree in Aurora.. I place your link in this post as refference to the centennial tree since its by far older than our dear Balete's. hope its okay. :)
ReplyDeleteAng laki denz! Hanggang ilang taon ba ang life span ng mga ganyang trees? :)
ReplyDelete