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Ulat nina: Janna Gabrielle Tan & Alie Peter Neil Galeon LIGTAS KALIKASAN. Ang Makiling Botanic Gardens kung saan dinadala at pinagaaralan ang mga tinaguriang ‘threatened Philippine plants’ bilang parte ng Ex Situ Conservation project. (Larawan mula sa Makiling Botanic Gardens … Continue reading
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by Paula Arreglo and Rafael Panday The recent launch of the global report The Economics of Biodiversity: Dasgupta Review has once again revitalized discussions around the question: “How does one live a sustainable life and help restore the Earth?” These conversations … Continue reading
by Mikail Y. Mauleon
The annual Syensaya science fair formally opened on September 10 in the University of the Philippines Los Banos (UPLB) campus with the theme “Los Banos Science Community: Supporting the nation in meeting global challenges.” Fanfare and festivities kicked off the opening ceremony with UPLB officials welcoming the participating organizations and guests.
One participating organization was the Institute of Biological Sciences (IBS) of UPLB. The IBS entry was the “The Bee Program” which showcased bee products in three different parts of the exhibit.
The first section of the booth showcased the actual bees that produce honey. European honey bees and stingless bees were brought for exhibit in their respective hives. The IBS staff explained the honey extraction process to interested guests using the laboratory equipment for extracting the honey.
The second section featured a simulation of how worker bees collect honey from the nectarines. The process was demonstrated through a game wherein participants collected water, which symbolized the nectar, using a syringe and placed the liquid into the honey cells within one minute. According to the IBS staff, the game simulated only a fraction of the actual work that bees go through.
“Worker bees” for the day. Guests at the IBS booth try out the game simulating the honey-collection process from the nectarines to the honey cells. (Photo by MY Mauleon)
The third section of the booth focused on pollination, which was also explained through a game. This simulation entailed participants transferring the gold-colored balls, representing the pollen, from the female flower to the male flower. This was done in order to simulate the process of pollination and explain its importance.
by Delfin Laforteza, Public Information Officer, Municipality of Los Baños
In order to effectively manage, conserve and protect Mt. Makiling, the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) spearheaded the organization of the Mt. Makiling Forest Reserve Stakeholders Advisory Council (MMFR-SAC) through a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA). The signing ceremony was held at the Nicolas Lansigan Auditorium at the UPLB College of Forestry and Natural Resources on July 30. It was also highlighted by the unveiling of the 33rd ASEAN Heritage Park Marker.
Mayor Caesar P. Perez (center) signs the MOA together with Chancellor Rex Victor Cruz (left) of UPLB and Mayor Bruno T. Ramos (right) of Bay, Laguna.
The signatories to the agreement include UPLB; provinces of Laguna and Batangas; City of Calamba; municipalities of Los Baños, Bay, and Sto. Tomas; Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) – Region 4A; Department of Tourism (DOT) – Region 4; DENR-Biodiversity Management Bureau; Laguna Lake Development Authority; Laguna Water District; Calamba Water District; Philippine National Police – Region 4A; and Alab Makiling-Farmers Association.
Under this agreement, the 24 stakeholders acknowledge their responsibilities and will initiate more collective efforts to ensure the sustainability of the ecosystem services and protection of Mt. Makiling.
To assist the council in accomplishing their objectives, different committees were created, namely, biodiversity protection and law enforcement; ecotourism; water resources and sustainable use; communication, education and public awareness; resource generation; legal concerns; and research, development and monitoring.
A technical working group was also formed composed of the heads of the following offices: Makiling Center for Mountain Ecosystems (MCME); the Municipal/City Environment and Natural Resources Offices of Los Baños, Bay, Sto. Tomas and Calamba; DENR Region 4A; and DOT Region 4A. MCME will serve as the secretariat while the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity (ACB) and GIZ of Germany will serve as advisers.
ASEAN dignitaries and officials present the certificate declaring the Mount Makiling Forest Reserve as an ASEAN Heritage Park to Chancellor Rex Victor Cruz of the University of the Philippines Los Baños as representative of all the stakeholders within the vicinity of the mountain.
The stakeholders council was created after a series of meetings initiated by MCME and ACB with the municipalities of Los Baños and Sto. Tomas following the declaration of Mt. Makiling as an ASEAN Heritage Park (AHP).
Mount Makiling’s nomination as an AHP was approved in 2013 during the 14th Informal ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on the Environment held on September 25 in Surabaya, Indonesia. The mountain became the 33rd ASEAN Heritage Park and the 5th for the Philippines which include Mt. Apo Natural Park, Mt. Iglit-Baco National Park, Mt. Kitanglad Range Natural Park, and Mt. Malindang Natural Park. It is the first for Luzon and the first managed by an academic institution. The approval of Mt. Makiling’s nomination as an ASEAN Heritage Park was due to its use as a natural laboratory for scientists, and a favorite destination for tourists with its peaks and hot springs as attractions.
Manuel Gerochi, Undersecretary for Planning and Policy of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), who represented Secretary Ramon Paje during the opening ceremonies of the 4th ASEAN Heritage Park Conference, announced the declaration. On October 3, 2013, the certification of declaration was presented by the officials of ACB to the officials of UPLB and the surrounding towns and park managers during a ceremony held in Mt. Makiling Botanical Gardens in Los Baños, Laguna. Also present were officials from DENR. In a statement by ACB Executive Director Roberto V. Oliva, he said that the AHPs are a network of national protected areas of high conservation importance that aims to create greater awareness and appreciation for ASEAN’s rich natural heritage.
The declaration of Mt. Makiling as an AHP and the formation of the MMFR-SAC are welcome developments. Although it is not a protected area under the National Integrated Protected Areas System Law but a forest reserve under the management of UPLB, this title together with the MMFR-SAC MOA will open opportunities for more local and international support.
by Jenalyn Audrey D. De Guzman
BAY, LAGUNA — The Barangay Council for the Protection of Children (BCPC) conducted a tree planting activity at San Antonio Elementary School last March 16, 2011.
BCPC, representatives and Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts— the smiles on their faces are priceless after conducting the tree planting activity.
It is one of the local institutions that can attend to the needs and rights of children. “Promoting of the best interest of children and the opening and maintenance of playgrounds and day care centers and other services that are necessary for child and youth welfare are some of BCPC’s concerns. Kaugnay nun napagdesisyunan naming na magconduct ng isang activity katulad nitong tree planting,” explained Eddrine Paul Papa, co-chairman of BCPC.
Planting trees with a helping hand is easy. The local community joined forces in order to make San Antonio Elementary school have a pleasant place for their education.
The tree planting activity was made possible by BCPC in cooperation with Municipal Social Welfare and Development (MSWD), Child Abuse Prevention and Intervention (CAPIN), Philippine National Police Bay (PNP), and Bay Rescue Force.
The Sangguniang Barangay of San Antonio, Bay, Laguna was also actively participating in the said event. “First time itong gagawin sa aming barangay, gusto rin naming makatulong sa pamamagitan ng pagbibigay ng lilom at pagprevent sa baha,” Kagawad Cornelio V. Masarap, councilor in charge of health.
The assembly was at the barangay hall of San Antonio at 8 am and together, the BCPC and representatives of the partner organizations and institutions, arrived at San Antonio Elementary School.
They were gladly welcomed by Elena Caldo, president of San Antonio Elementary School. According to Caldo, “malaki ang maitutulong nga mga punong itatanim nila dito sa aming paaralan, dahil sa init ng panahon ay kinakailangan naming ng shade o lilom dito para na rin sa mga batang nag-aaral dito.”
Lei Untalan, MSWD Social Welfare Aid, said that the ones available are 50 Mahogany trees provided upon request from the Department of Agriculture. The MSWD representatives are also present for supervising the said activity.
Some Bay PNP representatives were also there to support the tree planting activity. “In accordance to the PNP mandate or yung kada pulis may anim na punong itatanim sa isang buwan, ito yung panawagan ni PNoy na Billion Trees Project until February 2013, pero bukod dito ay naging advocacy na rin namin, dahil ito’y napapanahon at para makatulong” ayon kay PSI Melissa Malayo, when asked about why the PNP cooperates with the activity.
Some non- government institutions representatives were also present, Maan Aldipollo from Child Abuse Prevention and Intervention Network (CAPIN) and the Bay Rescue Force.
“Tree planting is a very enjoyable activity. Fulfilling siyang gawin. Kaya’t gusto kong maipromote na rin yung ganitong klaseng activity” according to Barangay Administrator Romel Ilagan of the Bay Rescue Force.
The tree planting activity proper was done by the BCPC, representatives, and the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts of San Antonio Elementary School. The planting ended at 11a.m. and they are off to Galvez Elementary School to plant some more.
Henry James Amotorio, Kelly Boy Tandang and John Mark Ulyado, Boy Scout Grade 6 students of San Antonio Elementary school, participated in the tree planting activity. “Masayang magtanim ng puno at nakakatulong ka pa” said Kelly Boy. “Gusto ko sanang maulit itong ganitong Gawain,” John Mark added.
“Marami na ring nagtanim dito sa amin. Sana nga lang sa susunod ay mga kagaya na ng puno ng Narra ang itanim kasi pagtagal ay hindi din nakakasurvive yung mga punong itinanim, tila napapahiya lamang sa bandang huli,” requested by President Caldo.
For fitness buffs out there, mark February 26, 2012 on your calendars!
The Makiling Center for Mountain Ecosystem, UP Los Banos (UPLB) will be holding the Maquiling Quest: Makiling Traverse Trail Run.
The route will start at Sto. Tomas, Batangas, and will end at UPLB.
For registration and other inquiries, email [email protected] or telefax (049) 536-2637. You can also visit the Pinoy Fitness site for more.