Congressman Rufus Rodriguez recently led the turnover of a newly completed P25-million access road leading to the 300-year-old Dao Tree (Dracontomelon dao) in Malasag, Cugman, Cagayan de Oro City. Considered as one of the biggest and oldest of its kind in the country, the tree is being proposed as a CDO Heritage Tree under House Bill 1236. The access road project is intended to help preserve the site, provide better access, and promote tourism. During the event, a groundbreaking ceremony was also held for a P100-million road extension to Sitio Mapawa, aimed at further easing travel and supporting eco-tourism in the area.
The Dao Tree towers at 49 meters, with a trunk diameter of 2.20 meters—so wide it would take about 30 people with outstretched arms to encircle its base. It is estimated to be over 300 years old.
all photos by Rufus B Rodriguez
Watch below.
