On 05 October 2017, the Social Forestry Division of the Makiling Center for Mountain Ecosystems (SFD-MCME) conducted Ugnayang Pamayanan para sa Maunlad na Bundok Makiling at Barangay Lalakay Multipurpose Hall, Barangay Lalakay, Los Baños, Laguna. Ugnayang Pamayanan is a people-oriented forestry program of SFD. It is an advocacy and a public awareness activity on policies, rules, and regulations on Mount Makiling Forest Reserve ASEAN Heritage Park (MMFR AHP). It is participated by the Local Government Units (LGUs) surrounding MMFR AHP (i.e. Los Baños). Also, it’s a continuing Information Education Communication (IEC) strategy towards MMFR protection and conservation through the conduct of forum/dialogues/meetings.
A total of 18 attended the activity namely barangay officials of Barangay Lalakay headed by Barangay Chairman Leticia Concepcion and members of SAMALUP led by President Milagros Surezo. The participants signified their cooperation with MCME for the conservation and protection of MMFR AHP. A video presentation about MMFR AHP was viewed for deeper appreciation of the park. The said activity served as a venue to introduce to the community the new Director of MCME, Dr. Roberto G. Visco. MCME staff present during the activity were For. Nicasio M. Balahadia, head of the SFD, Mr. Benjamin D. Arizala, For. Emer C. Gestiada, For. Leonardo D. Barua, and For. Myranel S. Canceran.
Photo credit to MSCanceran, University Research Associate II, SFD-MCME
MSCanceran