Los Baños, Laguna — To kick-off the 100th founding anniversary celebration and alumni homecoming of the University of the Philippines Los Baños-College of Forestry and Natural Resources (UPLB-CFNR), the Makiling Trekathon was held recently.
PCARRD staff members, led by the Forestry and Environment Research Division, joined the activity.
The Makiling Trekathon is a trekking event that aims to promote environmental awareness and the conservation of Mount Makiling. The mountain is a lush habitat to species of flora and fauna and a watershed that provides water for drinking and domestic needs, irrigation, and local industries.
Speaking at the program before the trek, UPLB-CFNR Dean Rex Victor Cruz expressed intentions of making the trekathon a regular activity. He also encouraged the participants to continue patronizing the activity.
Aside from PCARRD, the event was participated in by the International Rice Research Institute, Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture, Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)-4a, DENR-Ecosystems Research and Development Bureau, and Forest Products Research and Development Institute. On the other hand, multinational companies like Samsung, Hitachi, and Fujitsu represented the private sector. Meanwhile, media outfits, ABS-CBN and Philippine Star, covered the activity.
Also at the event were UPLB Chancellor Luis Rey Velasco and Makiling Center for Mountain Ecosystems Director Jose Sargento.
Incidentally, PCARRD’s involvement in the Makiling Trekathon is in support to DENR’s 10 Million Movement and in observance of Earth Day 2010.