A total of ten (10) student guides were welcomed last 19 November 2018 in the recently concluded Educators for Nature Tourism (ENTs) Training held at the Makiling Botanic Gardens (MBG). The 3-day training was conducted last October 21, November 12 and 19, 2018 at the Toyota Environment Education Theater (TEET) at the MBG. The training aims to give capacity building for students that will enhance their communication and interpretation skills.
Dr. Rogelio T. Andrada, Deputy Director of the Makiling Center for Mountain Ecosystems (MCME) and Head of the Botanic Gardens, Parks, and Ecotourism Division (BGPED) gave a short introduction and message about the training. Foresters Angela A. Limpiada, University Extension Associate II (UEAII) and Valeriana D. Barredo-Parducho, University Researcher I (URI) coordinated and facilitated the training. The training includes a lecture on interpretation and information about the MMFR AHP specifically the MBG and exercises on how to develop a thematic outline of an interpretation program.
Highlighted in the training was a demonstration or actual tour. Each participant were given 5-10 minutes each to discuss any resource or attraction within MMFR to complete the training.
The new batch of ENTs will serve as guides which will provide a short/long guided tour that discusses information of what can be seen in the Mount Makiling Forest Reserve ASEAN Heritage Park (MMFR AHP) especially the MBG. Most of the new ENTs were under the Certificate in Forestry and BS Forestry program of the College of Forestry and Natural Resources (CFNR). There is also one from the Graduate School taking his Master of Science in Horticulture. The new ENTs will surely improve the services offered by MBG to its visitors.
AALimpiada
Photos credit to: AAlimpiada and GBermejo
