The Makiling Center for Mountain Ecosystems (MCME), in coordination with the National Power Corporation (NPC), conducted an aerial survey of the Mt. Makiling Forest Reserve (MMFR) and its buffer zone on January 20, 2016.
The activity aims to take aerial photographs and videos for current and high resolution data with large spatial coverage. Photographs, videos, and their respective spatial information were captured using a GPS-enabled cameras. The helicopter flight plan laid out on a map was set such that photos and videos will capture MMFR’s landscape around its fringes and buffer zone. Observations noted from the fly over’s photos and videos will be validated on the ground based. Information generated will be integrated into the MMFR Buffer Zone Comprehensive Land Use Plan being drafted by partner LGUs which will be the basis for appropriate interventions of relevant stakeholders.
The aerial survey cost was shouldered by NPC while UPLB provided logistical support including permits to use the Freedom Park at the lower campus as take-off and landing site and manning the aforementioned site thru the University Police Force (UPF) to ensure of the smooth implementation of the activity. (JRBarile, 2016)