Representatives from the National Parks Board (NParks), Singapore, visited the Makiling Botanic Gardens on 12 May 2026 as part of their plant-sourcing trip to the Philippines. The team led by Zaki Jamil explored selected areas of the garden to learn more about its plant collections, landscape features, and conservation initiatives. They were welcomed by the Makiling Center for Mountain Ecosystems (MCME) staff headed by MCME Director Lerma Maldia, OIC-Deputy Director Frechie Belle Lo, For. Myranel Canceran, For. Leilani Castillo, For. Analyn Malayba, For. Angela Limpiada, For. Alexis Fajardo, and For. Roberto Cereno. The orientation provided participants with an overview of the garden’s role in environmental education, biodiversity conservation, research, ex-situ conservation, and nature-based tourism.
The highlight of the visit was the discussion on species conservation, taxonomic plant management practices, specimen collection, taxonomic systems, and the sustainable development of botanical gardens. The visit also served as an opportunity to explore potential research and academic collaborations in plant conservation, botanical garden management, and ecological landscape management between the University of the Philippines through the MCME and institutions in Singapore. (Article by For. Alexis Fajardo, photo courtesy of For. Angela Limpiada)