By Mae Belen L. Putian
As 2024 comes to a close, the Makiling Center for Mountain Ecosystems (MCME), through its project “Scaling-up the Participatory-Based Natural Resources Management in Four Watersheds of Mount Makiling Forest Reserve and Mount Bulalo,” hosted a heartwarming culminating activity the “2024 Paskuhan sa Barangay: Paskong Halaw sa Kulturang Pinoy,” on 6 December 2024 at the Makiling Botanic Gardens Pavilion. This event served as a way to give back to its partner communities while celebrating the year’s accomplishments.
The event was honored by the presence of esteemed guests, including Dr. Analyn L. Codilan, Associate Dean of the College of Forestry and Natural Resources (CFNR); Dr. Lerma S. J. Maldia, Director of MCME; and Ms. Joyce Lopez, representing the Philippine Geothermal Production Company (PGPC), Inc. Their participation added significance to the celebration, reflecting the strong collaboration and shared commitment to sustainable natural resource management.
The activity featured a year-end report summarizing the project’s achievements and milestones, emphasizing the progress made in sustainable natural resource management. It was also a platform to express gratitude to the partner barangays for their steadfast support and active involvement in the project’s activities throughout the year.
The Paskuhan sa Barangay embodied more than just a celebration—it reinforced the commitment to building stronger partnerships for the conservation and sustainability of Mount Makiling and Mount Bulalo. A highlight of this year’s event was the Barangay Cultural Presentation, a lively contest inviting participation from all barangays involved in the project. These presentations showcased the deep ties between the barangay’s cultural identity and the ecological and cultural significance of Mount Makiling and Mount Bulalo. The contest aimed to celebrate the rich cultural diversity of the barangays while fostering a shared commitment to environmental stewardship, appreciation for the shared heritage and the natural treasures of the region.
Barangay Limao, Calauan, Laguna emerged as the champion of the 2024 Barangay Cultural Presentation, followed by Barangay Tranca, Bay, Laguna in second place, and Barangay San Vicente, Sta. Tomas, Batangas, in third.
The event concluded with a gift-giving activity and a community singing, featuring the song “Star ng Pasko,” bringing a festive and unifying end to the celebration.
Photos by: MLPutian, ITSalazar
