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2026 National Academy of Science and Technology Philippines academician and awardee Dr. Edwino S. Fernando called for the protection of the nickel-eating plant Rinorea niccolifera that he discovered in Zambales in 2014.

The endangered species has the potential for the sustainable harvesting of nickel rather than destroying forests to extract the metal used for making coins, stainless steel and batteries. As it also grows on nickel-rich soil, it also can naturally restore mined-out soil.