For. Angela A. Limpiada of the Makiling Center for Mountain Ecosystems (MCME) served as resource speaker for a refresher training for tour guides of the Quezon Protected Landscape held on October 30, 2025 in Brgy. Malicboy, Pagbilao, Quezon. Most participants were experienced trekker guides who attended to further enhance their guiding and interpretation skills.
The activity is part of the action plan “Tour Guides for Sustainable Biodiversity-Friendly Enterprise in Quezon Protected Landscape” and supports MCME’s mandate to promote ecotourism in the Mount Makiling Forest Reserve ASEAN Heritage Park and other mountain ecosystems.
Tour guiding plays a vital role in making ecotourism meaningful—not only by ensuring visitor enjoyment, but by helping guests understand the value of natural resources. Through proper interpretation, tour guides raise environmental awareness, encourage responsible behavior, and reduce negative impacts on wildlife and habitats. In doing so, they strengthen conservation efforts, enhance visitor experiences, and empower local communities toward sustainable ecotourism.
The one-day training covered the following topics: Ecotourism in the Philippines, Basics of Tour Guiding, and Individual demonstration spiels featuring flora, fauna, and points of interest found within the Quezon Protected Landscape. Upon completion the training. certificates were awarded by For. Ramil J. Gutierrez, CENRO of Tayabas, Quezon. (by For. Angela A. Limpiada)
Photo by For. Janeth Salazar