November 21, 2018 marked the 108th anniversary of the establishment of the Mount Makiling Forest Reserve (MMFR) as a protected area. In line with this milestone, the Makiling Center for Mountain Ecosystems (MCME) unveiled a wooden sculpture masterpiece entitled “Kanlungan ng Bundok Makiling”. The event was graced by representatives from the College of Forestry and Natural Resources (CFNR): Dean Willie P. Abasolo and College Secretary Mutya Ma. Q. Manalo; representatives from the ASEAN Center for Biodiversity (ACB): Sarah Macalalad, Executive Assistant and Sophia Mercado, Communication Officer; and the staff of MCME led by the Director Dr. Roberto G. Visco.
Kanlungan ng Bundok Makiling, as the wood nature sculpture is aptly known, showcases the beauty and resources of Mount Makiling. It is composed of four vertical panels represent the four watersheds of the mountain. Their upper ends are cleverly shaped to form the outline of Mount Makiling as viewed from the top.
Each of the four panels represent one watershed of Mount Makiling. Based on the photo, from left to right, we have the Sipit, Cambantoc, Molawin-Dampalit, and Tigbi watershed. The panels also depict the main attractions and resources that each watershed possess.
Kanlungan sa Bundok Makiling is a masterpiece conceptualized by the collective ideas of MCME staff. These ideas were drawn by Mr. Edgardo D. Barua which was in turn used to guide Mr. Rex Delos Santos during the wood carving process. Furthermore, the sculpture is made more meaningful and special because the Teak (Tectona grandis) wood used was from one of the UPLB Centennial Heritage Trees that was sadly toppled by typhoon Glenda in 2013. Its transformation from a heritage tree to a work of art is a testament to the cultural significance of the tree and of Mount Makiling. Come and marvel at this work of art located at the lobby of the Romulo Del Castillo Hall in the College of Forestry and Natural Resources campus of UPLB.
RTAndrada
Photos credit to: NMManlisis and RPMada
