On 12 June 2026, the Makiling Botanic Gardens (MBG) celebrated the 128th Philippine Independence Day and the first International Day of Botanic Gardens Education. To highlight the educational tourism banner program of the Makiling Center for Mountain Ecosystems (MCME), the garden treated 18 University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) constituents and guests to a free educational tour across its theme gardens. Organized by Foresters Limpiada and Alexis Fajardo, the event featured special guest Forester Roberto Cereno, former UPLB Vice Chancellor for Community Affairs and the founding father of MCME’s Educators for Nature Tourism.
During the tour, participants learned about the scientific and common names, conservation status, economic benefits, endemicity, and ecological roles of selected tree species. Forester Cereno also connected natural science with cultural heritage by introducing trees that inspired the names of various Philippine localities, giving the students a deeper appreciation for the historical links between local communities and forest ecosystems. This hands-on experience strengthened the participants’ environmental awareness and underscored the vital role botanic gardens play in biodiversity education. The successful celebration concluded with a generous lunch for all participants, sponsored by Forester Cereno. (Article and photo by For. Alexis John Fajardo)