On 9 October 2025, the Makiling Center for Mountain Ecosystems (MCME) research and extension team received the Outstanding Extension Research Paper Award during the 2025 National Extension Conference held at the International Convention Center, Cavite State University, Indang, Cavite, Philippines.
The award was conferred on Dr. Mae Belen L. Putian, For. Mary Ann G. Abadillos, For. Myranel S. Canceran, For. Leonardo D. Barua, For. Karla Jane P. Gonzalvo, For. Angela A. Limpiada, For. Marlo M. Caña, For. Ma. Ruffa P. Guab, Ms. Gillian Katherine I. Quilloy, and For. Leilani A. Castillo for their paper titled “From Plan to Practice: Community-Led Agroforestry Demonstration Farms Around Mount Makiling Forest Reserve ASEAN Heritage Park.”
The study highlights community-driven agroforestry initiatives that integrate ecological sustainability, food security, and participatory capacity-building within the Mount Makiling Forest Reserve (MMFR) funded by the Philippine Geothermal Power Company (PGPC) Inc. The paper was recognized for its rigorous methodology, innovative extension approaches, and significant contributions to advancing extension science, in line with the conference theme, “Food, Health, and Nutrition Extension: Implications for Community Transformation and the Economy.”
The paper was presented in a plenary session by For. Mary Ann G. Abadillos, with For. Myranel S. Canceran attending the event and representing the team.
This recognition underscores MCME’s continuing commitment to promoting sustainable mountain ecosystem management and empowering local communities through science-based extension programs.
Congratulations to the MCME research and extension team for this well-deserved recognition! (For. Mae Belen L. Putian, University Extension Specialist II)
Photo by MSCanceran