The UPAA Maria Makiling Foundation Inc., dedicated to the protection and conservation of Mt. Makiling in the Laguna-Batangas area, conducted a tree planting activity Monday, October 19, to demarcate the boundary of the forest reserve. The activity was led by foundation representatives and UP Los Baños with special guest Cesar Montano.

The annual activity is part of the foundation’s effort to conserve and protect Mt. Makiling, the only intact forest reserve in the country today. The planting of flowering trees every one meter will cover one kilometer of the boundary of the forest reserve in Sitio Sulsugin, Bagong Kalsada, Calamba City.

The foundation is committed to enhancing the visibility even from afar of the boundary of the reserve. The move is seen to minimize if not totally prevent encroachment into the forest reserve by identifying its boundary. People tasked with the protection of the reserve will also easily locate the area.

The activity is a continuation of the boundary planting conducted last year to demarcate the boundary from the mountain.

The foundation has undertaken other activities with UPLB such as the Maria Makiling Ecological-Cultural Festival at the Makiling Botanic Gardens in Laguna. The festival featured songs, dances, play, painting and poetry celebrating nature and the legendary Maria Makiling. Maria Makiling was “brought to life” by singer Karylle who posed for acclaimed artists and photographers, many of whom were UP alumni. The overall director of the festival was Behn Cervantes who heads the Foundation’s Cultural and Public Awareness Committee.

These eco-cultural activities showcased the ecological importance of Mt. Makiling and how the mountain has beautifully shaped culture and life in the provinces of Laguna and Batangas and other surrounding communities.