On 5 June 2019, the College of Forestry and Natural Resources (CFNR) in cooperation with the Makiling Center for Mountain Ecosystems (MCME) and Department of Forest Biological Sciences (DFBS), conducted the annual Field Test as the last streak of the three type test for aspirant Certificate in Forestry (CIF) students. The Field Test is an annual activity of the college, organized by the CFNR College Secretary’s Office (CSO) headed by Professor Mutya Ma. Q. Manalo. Volunteers as guide from the MCME was composed of Forest Technicians Aurora V. Mamiit, Aerosmith M. Masa, Marvin Reyes, Yaser De Chavez, Alexis John Fajardo; Special Police Captain Gardie Canilan, Special Police Lieutenant Jasper Jayson Madrigal, Special Police Corporal Maricris Sityar; and Security Guard III Misael Palanginan while volunteers from the DFBS was composed of Asst. Prof. Juancho B. Balatibat, For. Lab. Tech 2 Isagani U. Casal, and Lab. Tech 1 Alfredo V. Alvarez.
This year, a total of 86 new student hopefuls to be an Isko and Iska through the non-baccalaureate program of the college were recorded. Highlights of the Field Test were the following: warm-up activity led by Forester Grizelda Marza to prepare them for the long journey ahead, and the obstacles in the field such as the mud trails, spider webs, insects, leeches and the difficulty of the trails among others. The students used the route from the Makiling Botanic Gardens (MBG) going to Mudsprings down to Flatrocks.
Overall, the activity commended successfully, everyone walking back happily in the college. They were gathered in the Nicholas P. Lansigan Auditorium where Prof. Manalo was waiting to congratulate all of them.
Alexis John Fajardo
Photos credit to: Grizelda Marza