122: Biodiversity in Makiling

I've been here in Los Baños, Laguna for three years now. I still remember the time when I first set my feet in the campus. The peaceful surrounding that welcomed me as I arrived gave such impression that it's worth staying here.

I am aware that Forestry is one of the best courses offered here in the university. I am also aware that UPLB through College of Forestry and Natural Resources (CFNR) is responsible in taking care of Mt. Makiling. It is said to be rich in flora and fauna. The view of this mountain from afar is amazing to the extent that you would want to explore it.

Just last week, June 26, a seminar about the biodiversity in Makiling Peak 3 was held at CFNR. This was a great opportunity given to me because it's really worth attending. The seminar was titled Biodiversity Expedition to Peak 3 of Mt. Makiling.

I am not really interested with the different species of animals, insects and plants that can be found in Makiling forest. In fact, I found it hard to listen to the different scientific names the speakers seems to know so well. But it is really to know that our very own Makiling serves a haven for many species of animals, insects and plants. Surprisingly, most of them are endemic.

Dr. Manny Castillo, one of the speakers and one of the members of the team who went up to Peak 3, said that there are many species of flora and faunas found in Makiling. He wished they are with some experts, particularly in fungi, to help them identify other species.

Based on the report of Mr. Juancho Balatibat, another speaker and also part of the team, there are some species of stick insect and grasshoppers that are potential to be new species. It's amazing that these explorers who went up to Makiling for almost a week found something new in the field of biological science. This would be a great contribution to the field.

I really admire the team for their hardwork, patience and guts to climb Peak 3. And of copurse, they should be appreciated for sharing to their co-faculty, students, and others what they found in the Makiling forest.

As Dr. Castillo said before he started his presentation, presenting the information they gathered about Peak 3  is for the progression of science especially the exploration for the species of animals and plants in Mt. Makiling.

As usual, at the end of the seminar, question and answer was held. An old man, who according to him also worked in Makiling years ago, extended his appreciation to the team of explores. He also mentioned the need of preserving records of the findings through database. As Development Communication student, I felt that this is where we can help. I might not be so interested in going up to Peak 3 and study the different species there. And I might not understand how they work with the species, but I can be a tool to help preserve records of their findings, and inform people about the richness of Makiling through my writings. I came to think that maybe as communication student, it is our worth in this field-- to write about what they found so that the world may know it and help aid development of science through our writings.