The Makiling Center for Mountain Ecosystems conducted a training for the new batch of Educators for Nature Tourism (ENTs) last August 27, 2016 at the Makiling Botanic Gardens (MBG). The purpose of this training is to equip the participants with the theory and practice of Park Interpretation for them to gain knowledge/information about different tourist destinations in MMFR like MBG, Flatrocks, Mudsprings, Makiling Rainforest Park and Summit; and to be a responsible and effective educators for nature tourism by inspiring the tourists on the impact and importance of such resource.
Foresters Valeriana D. Barredo-Parducho and Angela A. Limpiada were the coordinators for the training. Thirty (30) students from different colleges (CFNR, CAS, CHE, CA and CDC) participated on the first day of the training. The most number of participants were from the College of Forestry and Natural Resources.
Lecture on Interpretation at MBG (left) and group exercise on how to create a thematic outline (right)
The first part of the training includes a lecture about Interpretation and an exercise on how to develop a thematic outline of an interpretation program. Trainees were subdivided into 4 groups and were given enough time to present their outline of their interpretation program. Part two of the training will be held on 03 September 2016. This will include a demonstration of the each participants’ talk and guided tour which will be done while hiking to the Mudsprings and later, will be done while having tour around the Makiling Botanic Gardens.
by Rogelio T. Andrada II, Valeriana D. Barredo-Parducho and Angela A. Limpiada