Aiming to expose students to the rich biodiversity of the Philippines, the International School of Manila (ISM) visited the Makiling Botanic Gardens and Flatrocks of the Mount Makiling Forest Reserve ASEAN Heritage Park last January 15-16, 2026. The two-day visit included students from all grade levels, reinforcing their environmental and science curricula.
Foresters Angela Limipiada and Alexis John Fajardo, together with the Educators for Nature Tourism (ENTs), welcomed the ISM. A brief overview of the diverse conserved flora, the historical significance, and the ecological importance of the forest landscapes within the reserve was provided to the students. The tour highlighted the watershed functions, the importance of forest ecosystems for services and biodiversity conservation, and the reserve’s role as both an outdoor laboratory and a hub for environmental awareness. (Article and photo by For. Alexis Fajardo)