The Make It Makiling! (MIM!) 2026 Steering Committee gathered on 15 April 2026 for the post-event assessment. For MIM! 2026, 5,850 visitors, including campers and solo hikers, were welcomed within the Mount Makiling Forest Reserve ASEAN Heritage Park (MMFR AHP). The primary objective of the meeting was to evaluate the entire execution of the program, from pre-implementation to conclusion, by synthesizing feedback from local communities, government units, partner organizations, and visitors. Key achievements identified included enhanced logistical management, robust stakeholder participation, and effective program delivery.
Internal reflections also pinpointed specific operational hurdles, such as inconsistent internet access, inadequate restroom facilities, and communication lapses. Members also noted the need to improve water availability, reduce ticketing wait times, and better enforce the “Clean As You Go” policy. To bolster future adaptive planning, the committee pledged to integrate strategic improvements to elevate the visitor experience and reinforce environmental conservation efforts.
Following this, the MIM! 2026 Steering Committee met with the volunteers from partner organizations on 08 May 2026 at the Toyota Environment Education Theater, Makiling Botanic Gardens. Present during the meeting were the representatives from the Los Banos Safety and Emergency Team, Laguna Rescue, RESCUE KIDZ, and Barangay Bagong Silang.
MCME OIC-Deputy Director Dr. Frechie Belle Lo opened the session by expressing gratitude to the volunteers whose dedication supported the program’s success. Hosted by Forester Angela Limpiada, the meeting featured a report from MIM! 2026 Chair, Forester Alexis Fajardo, who summarized committee findings and both positive and negative tourist remarks. These insights are vital for the sustainable management of MMFR and the development of the upcoming MIM! 2027. To conclude the meeting, MCME OIC-Director Myranel Canceran thanked volunteers for their feedback and requested their support for MIM! 2027. The meeting stressed MCME’s dedication to balancing tourist satisfaction and forest reserve conservation. (Article by For. Alexis Fajardo and photo courtesy of For. Mary Anne Abadillos)