On 17 February 2026, the Makiling Botanic Gardens (MBG) hosted a ceremonial tree-planting activity for His Excellency Mr. Jose Eduardo Malaya III, Ambassador of the Philippines to The Netherlands, and Professor Jacqueline Peel, Director of Melbourne Climate Futures at the University of Melbourne.
They were welcomed by University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) Chancellor Jose V. Camacho Jr., Vice Chancellor for Research and Extension Nathaniel C. Bantayan, and College of Forestry and Natural Resources (CFNR) Dean Marlo D. Mendoza, who provided a brief introduction to the Mount Makiling Forest Reserve ASEAN Heritage Park (MMFR AHP). This event highlights the university’s commitment to global partnerships and science-based environmental governance.
The activity commenced with a description of the Figs and Breadfruit theme garden and the specific species to be planted, discussed by University Researcher Leilani A. Castillo. Furthermore, Makiling Center for Mountain Ecosystems (MCME) Director Lerma SJ. Maldia and Deputy Director Alona C. Linatoc shared the delegates with technical information regarding the species’ ecological attributes, optimal soil conditions, growth habits, and nutritional requirements. Foresters Analyn C. Malayba, Angela A. Limpiada, Alexis John T. Fajardo, and other staff members from the MBG ensured strict adherence to site-specific silvicultural standards and planting techniques. This visit reinforced a mutual commitment to biodiversity conservation, climate action, and academic collaboration between institutions in the Philippines and Australia. (Article and photo by For. Alexis Fajardo)