Celebrating the International Day of the Forests at the Mount Makiling Forest Reserve ASEAN Heritage Park

By: AALimpiada

In celebration of the International Day of the Forests on March 21, 2024, the Makiling Center for Mountain Ecosystems, led by its Director, Dr. Lerma SJ. Maldia welcomed the participants of the Closing Forum of the 𝘐𝘯𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘵𝘶𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘭 𝘚𝘵𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘨𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘰𝘧 𝘉𝘪𝘰𝘥𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘪𝘵𝘺 𝘪𝘯 𝘈𝘚𝘌𝘈𝘕 (𝘐𝘚𝘉) 𝘐𝘐 project. The project is a collaboration between the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity and the Federal Government of Germany through the GIZ Philippines and the Pacific Island Countries.

Dr. Maldia introduced the Mount Makiling Forest Reserve ASEAN Heritage Parks, and the Makiling Center for Mountain Ecosystems to the participants. On the other hand, the Makiling Botanic Gardens, was discussed and presented by Prof. Juancho B. Balatibat, the MCME Deputy Director. The guided tour for the participants was initiated by For. Angela Limpiada with the Educators for Nature Tourism (ENTs) and assisted by the Makiling Botanic Gardens staff. The participants enjoyed the guided tour where the ENTs focused on the native and endemic flora of Makiling and the Philippines.