FMDS-UPOU participated in the National Launching of International Year of Forests

The Faculty of Management and Development Studies (FMDS) and other UPOU staff members, together with the Los Banos Science Community, NGOS, POs and other groups, participated in the kick-off activity of the national celebration of the International Year of Forests (IYF) on April 27, 2011. The UPOU served as one of the take-off points for the Bisikleta, Lakad at Takbo sa Makiling, a fun walk-bike run to raise awareness on sustainable forest management. A group of local bikers organized by FMDS joined the bike run from the UPOU gate passing by the National Highway to the Makiling Botanical Garden (MBG). 

The kick-off ceremony was titled Pagsibol with the theme Celebrating Forests for People. The fun bike-run was followed by Salubong Araw, Pamahaw at Konsyerto sa Gubat, a breakfast concert wherein different performers sang and danced for the benefit of the forests. After the concert, the formal program was hosted by Ms. Janet Martires and Ms. Catherine Untalan. Ms. Martires is an affiliate faculty of FMDS while Ms. Untalan is a current student of Master of Environment and Natural Resources Management (MENRM).

 The UPOU Earth Ambassadors from Dayap Elementary School, Sto. Domingo Elementary School and The Learning Place presented their chants for the forest during the program. The keynote speaker for the program was Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri who recently graduated from UPOU under the MENRM program.

 

The program culminated with the signing of Senator Zubiri and other dignitaries on the Pagsibol tarpaulin. Other participants also signed the tarpaulin as their covenant and support to IYF.