On November 28, 2025, Makiling Botanic Gardens welcomed senior high school students from Chiang Kai Shek School in Tondo, Manila, for an experiential learning opportunity. Their visit was designed to enhance their understanding of natural resources as discussed in their environmental science class. Foresters Angela Limpiada and Alexis Fajardo provided an orientation for the students at the Toyota Environmental Education Theater. There, they presented an informative video that highlighted the rich biodiversity, research initiatives, ecotourism programs, and conservation strategies associated with Mount Makiling Forest Reserve (MMFR). The video also emphasized the vital role of MMFR as a natural resource for biodiversity conservation.
The students were guided through the themed gardens to enhance their awareness, appreciation, and understanding of biodiversity, ecological concepts, and sustainable management of natural resources. Each themed garden showcases a variety of native and endemic flora found in MMFR and throughout the country. Overall, the visit enhanced their ability to integrate the theoretical concepts discussed in class with a deeper perspective gained from personally witnessing the rich biodiversity of the reserve. (Article by For. Alexis T. Fajardo and photo courtesy of AALimpiada)