These 4 hectares of limestone soil were traditionally used for maize and cassava production. We acquired the land in 2012 and planted tugas/molave (Vitex parviflora), langin (Micromelum caudatum), and narra (Pterocarpus indicus) native hardwood trees. We also planted some fruits, like mango, but the soil is generally not good for fruit production. The whole area is now being left for natural forest regeneration and wildlife habitat.

Tugas/molave is classified as an endangered tree. It has been overharvested as the wood is valuable in furniture and house construction and the leaves good for cattle feed.

According to legend Siquijor’s nickname “Isla de Fuegos” (island of fire) comes from the glow of fireflies around tugas/molave trees that the Spaniards saw when they first arrived in 1565. The island’s precolonial name “Katugasan” is said to come from the many tugas trees that once covered the island.