On 14-15 November 2019, the Makiling Center for Mountain Ecosystems (MCME) participated in the oral paper and poster presentation category of the 15th FORESPI International Conference 2019 with a theme: Research and Innovations for Sustainable Environment, Natural Resources Management and Rural Development. This was held at SEARCA, College, Laguna.
The conference accepted a total of 38 papers and 17 posters presented during the conference. MCME’s entry for oral paper presentation under Parallel Session B – Forest and Environment (Physical) was entitled Visitors’ Willingness to Pay for the Ecotourism Value of the Mariang Makiling Trail (MMT), Mount Makiling Forest Reserve ASEAN Heritage Park, Philippines presented by For. Mae Belen L. Putian,MSc., University Research Associate II. The paper was based on the initial result of the valuation study being conducted in MMFR AHP. In addition, two (2) posters were presented namely: Risk and Vulnerability Assessment of the Communities Surrounding the Headwaters of Cambantoc and Molawin-Dampalit Watershed in MMFR AHP and Ex-situ Conservation of Philippine Threatened Plants: Current Initiatives towards Restoring Philippines’ Plant Resources and Environment.
Highlights of the conference were the keynote address of Dr. Rex Victor O. Cruz, Professor and National Academician of the Institute of Renewable and Natural Resources (IRNR), College of Forestry and Natural Resources (CFNR), University of the Philippines Los Banos (UPLB) and the talk of the two (2) plenary speakers Dr. Marian S. Delos Angeles, Board Member Emeritus of Resources, Environment and Economic Center for Studies, Inc. (REECS) and Prof. Marlo D. Mendoza, Associate Professor of the Department of Social Forestry and Forest Governance (DSFFG), CFNR, UPLB and Technical Adviser of Tan Yan Kee Foundation.
Academician Cruz shared the Ambisyon 2040 and highlighted the need for a systems based approach in managing, protecting and conserving natural resources. Dr. Delos Angeles put emphasis in the need to capitalize in putting monetary values to natural resources and strengthening the financing mechanism in the country. Meanwhile, Prof. Mendoza shared how a simple individual goal or dream of planting a tree can have great impact to the conservation of the environment and how this can inspire and encourage others to to do the same act.
Attended the conference were Foresters Leilani A. Castillo, Nicasio M. Balahadia, Rolly V. Breva, Leonardo D. Barua,Valeriana D. Barredo-Parducho, Angela A. Limpiada, Arnold D. Yanoria, Analyn C. Malayba, Aerosmith M. Masa, Alexis John Fajardo, Cyreez Bigueras, Milles Vizccara, Michael John Gomez, Ms. Gillian Katherine Inciong-Quilloy, Mr. Aldwin Labuanan and Dr. Rogelio T. Andrada II.
For. Mae Belen L. Putian
Photos credit to: Aldwin Labuanan & Angela A. Limpiada