Centennial Tree
What do you think about it?
Bitaog is a medium-sized tree that grows up to 25 meters tall, sometimes as large as 35 meters. It has sticky latex that is clear or opaque and white, cream, or yellow. The bole is usually twisted or leaning up to 150 centimeters in diameter, without buttresses.
One of Oldest tree of the Philippines
What about it?
Centennial tree or Bitaog is found throughout the Philippines, along the seashores where it forms a characteristic strand. Natural regeneration usually occurs near the mother tree.
In Butuan's neighboring municipality Magallanes, there is a Bitaog (Calophyllum inophyllum) tree that is officially been given the title of The Philippine Centennial tree. It is approximately 500 years old with a diameter of 290cm. It is claimed to be the oldest tree in the Philippines.
According to historians this tree has been a "mute witness to historical events (such as) (1) the initial evangelization of Mindanao (2) the birth of Caraga as a region during the Spanish colonial period etc."
The 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”, undoubtably referring to Bitaug tree, as it was then the custom of Filipinos to name places after the trees.
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.
Bitaog is a medium-sized tree that grows up to 25 meters tall, sometimes as large as 35 meters. It has sticky latex that is clear or opaque and white, cream, or yellow. The bole is usually twisted or leaning up to 150 centimeters in diameter, without buttresses.
Centennial tree or Bitaog is found throughout the Philippines, along the seashores where it forms a characteristic strand. Natural regeneration usually occurs near the mother tree.
In Butuan's neighboring municipality Magallanes, there is a Bitaog (Calophyllum inophyllum) tree that is officially been given the title of The Philippine Centennial tree. It is approximately 500 years old with a diameter of 290cm. It is claimed to be the oldest tree in the Philippines.
According to historians this tree has been a "mute witness to historical events (such as) (1) the initial evangelization of Mindanao (2) the birth of Caraga as a region during the Spanish colonial period etc."
The 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”, undoubtably referring to Bitaug tree, as it was then the custom of Filipinos to name places after the trees.
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.
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.
Wow history !
How to get there?
Centennial tree can be found in Magallanes. Magallanes can be reach through land and water based. Taking a pump boat from Butuan City is way better and enjoyable activity while tranversing 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 20.oo. 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 30.00.
When is the best time to visit ?
Well, Magallanes can be visited everytime you want as it don't consider specific time and day you want to visit.
But this occasions are way more best!
During summer the white tiny flowers will fall like a snow and create a beautiful moment of you life, a feeling which like in a korean drama.
How to get there?
Centennial tree can be found in Magallanes. Magallanes can be reach through land and water based. Taking a pump boat from Butuan City is way better and enjoyable activity while tranversing 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 20.oo.
When is the best time to visit ?
During summer the white tiny flowers will fall like a snow and create a beautiful moment of you life, a feeling which like in a korean drama.
Wow that was interesting !
Did you already consider on why you should visit Centennial tree in Magallanes If not, then there's more!
Urban Legend of Bitaog
Did you know an urban legend of Sitio Dahican talk about the enchanted of Bitaug tree, behind those magnificent branch are the home of nymphs or also called as the 'Engkantos'. These creatures are both bad and good and offers gifts to the residents in exchange of lives.
There are also humors that the tree flowers brings fever to children if they wander under the tree at noon time.
These tree creatures are friendly and invited people to their celebration but those foods on the table has no taste because they are not human and they are afraid of salt.
During summer, many tourist on the sitio lost their lives by drown on the sea nearby as it is believe that they are being bought to the tree and stuck their souls forever.
Also old people in the sitio consider the creatures of the as their life saver as they are very helpful to residents in times of needs such the kitchen utensils and clothes to borrow for a specific occassion such as weedings.
Trivia: This tree used to be the haven for millions of fireflies that served as a beacon light for fishermen during the night.
Bitaog was such a pride and beauty of Magallanes not until June 23, 2017 the tree collapse and half of the huge branch fall off. That was tragic, but the tree was on renovation and performed tree surgery to help the tree survive.
Come and visit Magallanes and catch a glimpse of beauty!
