BAGUIO CITY - The city government disclosed Monday that trees, particularly pines, in this mountain resort city are under attack by beetles.
The beetle species attacking the pine trees is the ips caligraphus.
The City Environment and Parks Management Office (CEPMO) reported that a number of pines and other tree species, especially those located in parks, are reportedly on the verge of dying due to bark beetle attacks, the CEPMO said.
Officials revealed that apart from pines, mahogany and eucalyptus trees being propagated under a program of the Regional Development Council (RDC) of Cordillera are also affected by beetle attack.
The CEPMO has already sought the help of the Forestry Division of the Benguet State University (BSU) 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.
