The Makiling Center for Mountain Ecosystems (MCME) through the project entitled: “Participatory Development through Community-Based Natural Resource Management in Mount Makiling Forest Reserve and Mt. Bulalo” headed by Forester Nicasio Balahadia organized a Pasyal Gubat with the theme: Ang Ating Kabundukan ay Pagyamanin at Lingapin upang ang Kalamidad ay hindi Danasin. The activity was participated by the project beneficiaries from Barangay Bitin in Bay and Barangay Limao in Calauan, Laguna, and Barangays Sta. Elena and San Vicente, in Sto. Tomas City, Batangas. The event took place on May 20 and 27, 2022 which initially commenced at the Makiling Botanic Gardens (MBG) where the MCME Director, Dr. Roberto G. Visco welcomed the participants. They were also toured around MBG and were taught about biodiversity conservation, where they were exposed to the different native and endemic species. After the MBG tour, the participants were brought to the Mariang Makiling Trail and went to Mudspring where they learned about MMFR as a volcano and its importance as a geothermal energy source. Then, they had their lunch at the Makiling Rainforest Park and after which they proceeded to the Central Forest Experiment Station (CFES) to learn the different nursery operations, vermiculture, and rubber tree production and harvesting. They conclude the program through a response from selected participants, a certificate awarding ceremony, and accomplishing their individual evaluation forms.
By: KJPGonzalvo