On 07 May 2026, the Makiling Botanic Gardens (MBG) welcomed the International Institute for Rural Reconstruction (IIRR) for their educational visit, which aims to strengthen research and academic initiatives in environmental science, particularly in ecosystem management, biodiversity conservation, and agroforestry systems. The visit was coordinated by Dr. Nelson Pampolina, a faculty member from the Department of Forest Biological Sciences, College of Forestry and Natural Resources (CFNR). Forester Alexis Fajardo served as the group’s primary guide, leading them through the themed gardens at the MBG.
From the IIRR, a total of twelve (12) representatives from Leyte Field Staff, together with partners from ViSCA Foundation for Agricultural and Rural Development, Inc. (ViFARD) and Visayas State University (VSU) – Alangalang Campus, Leyte. The participants gained valuable insights into sustainable management of natural resources and species conservation measures implemented by the Makiling Center for Mountain Ecosystems, College of Forestry and Natural Resources of the University of the Philippines Los Banos, through ex situ conservation sites such as the MBG. It provided them with an opportunity for collaborative discussion, a potential research partnership with CFNR, and knowledge exchange on sustainable land-use practices and integration of ecological principles and techniques into teaching, research, and extension activities. Lastly, their visit highlights the importance of institutional collaboration in advancing long-term ecological sustainability and environmental education. (Article by For. Alexis Fajardo and photo by For. Angela Limpiada)