In coordination with the Language Instruction Excellence (LITE) Program of the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS), University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB), the Makiling Botanic Gardens (MBG) warmly welcomed the faculty and students of Kobe University on 27 February 2026. Through the LITE Program, international undergraduate and graduate students hone their English communication skills, strengthen academic exchange, engage with UPLB’s thrust in research and innovations, and deepen their cross-cultural understanding.
Forester Alexis Fajardo and Educators for Nature Tourism (ENTs) Vincent Mark Gutierrez conducted an orientation about the Mount Makiling Forest Reserve ASEAN Heritage Park (MMFR AHP) and guided a tour of the MBG. This immersion provided an opportunity for experiential learning through exploration of the themed gardens, emphasizing the native and endemic flora collections. Additionally, the visit underscored various important topics, including biodiversity conservation strategies, forest restoration initiatives, environmental education, ecotourism development, and the university’s role in sustainable forest management. (Article by For. Alexis Fajardo, photo by For. Angela Limpiada)