Leave those native trees alone. Environmentalists made the appeal to property developers and the city government to preserve a cluster of 10 “bubog” or “calumpang” trees (Sterculia foetida) at the heart of the commercial and entertainment area. They have grouped themselves into the Save the Bubog Grove-Iloilo Botanical Garden Movement. While the tree species is not endangered, retired scientist and environmentalist Jurgenne Primavera said it was rare to find a cluster of the trees similar to those found in Barangay San Rafael. The trees, believed to be more than 10 years old, usually grow on riverbanks and coral sandstone rocks along the coast. They reach as high as 40 meters, with trunks measuring up to 1 meter in diameter, according to Primavera.

Burgos, N. P. Jr. (2013, January 28). Environmentalists want 'calumpang' trees preserved. Philippine Daily Inquirer, p. A14.