17/04/2026
๐จ๐ฃ๐๐๐ง๐ | ๐๐ผ๐ป๐๐ฒ๐ฟ๐๐ฒ ๐ ๐๐ฃ๐ ๐๐ป๐ถ๐๐ถ๐ฎ๐๐ฒ๐ ๐๐ป๐ฎ๐๐ด๐๐ฟ๐ฎ๐น ๐๐ฒ๐น๐ฒ๐ฏ๐ฟ๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป ๐ผ๐ณ ๐ ๐. ๐๐ฟ๐ฎ๐๐ฎ๐ ๐๐ฎ๐
Magalang, Pampanga โ 15 April 2026 โ The Conserve MAPL Project formally opened the Inaugural Celebration of Mt. Arayat Protected Landscape Day, hosted by Pampanga State Agricultural University and conducted in cooperation with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources โ Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (DENR-PENRO Pampanga) and the Provincial Government โ Environment and Natural Resources Office (ENRO), marking the start of a two-day event focused on conservation awareness, community participation, and stakeholder engagement.
The first day of activities was held at the 2nd Floor, University Food Center, from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The programme began with participant registration, followed by the National Anthem and doxology, and welcome remarks from the Conserve MAPL Project leadership. The session was facilitated by Mr. Fernan I. Camara, who served as emcee for the first day.
A session for barangay leaders addressed environmental interpretation for community-based conservation, facilitated by members of the project team. Midday activities paused for a lunch break, followed by afternoon registration and a Peopleโs Organizations workshop on community organizing and record keeping for sustainable resource management. The day concluded with a synthesis and closing session.
On April 16, 2026, activities resumed at the Rafael Lazatin Audio-Visual Center at Pampanga State Agricultural University. The programme included the presentation of the rationale for Mt. Arayat Day, messages of commitment and support from university officials, government representatives, and partner institutions, and the official declaration of Mt. Arayat Day with a stakeholder pledge of commitment.
Vice President for Research, Innovation, Extension and Training Dr. Geraldine V. Sanchez, Regional Executive Director Engr. Ralph C. Pablo, and Mayor Jeffrey M. Luriz were present during the second day of activities alongside other key officials and stakeholders. The second day programme was facilitated by Mr. Rodolfo P. Dizon, Jr., who served as emcee.
The second day also featured the unveiling of project knowledge products and the recognition of partners and volunteers. Closing remarks were followed by a session on advancing sustainability awareness among Pampanga State Agricultural University students conducted via Zoom.
The activity supports SDG 15: Life on Land โ Target 15.1: Conserve terrestrial ecosystems, reinforcing efforts to protect and sustainably manage the Mt. Arayat Protected Landscape. The Conserve MAPL Project is a Department of Science and Technology โ Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARRD)-funded initiative led by Pampanga State Agricultural University since January 2023, which adopts a socio-ecological systems approach to empower local communities in biodiversity conservation, sustainable livelihoods, and ecosystem resilience through the integration of conservation, education, and ecotourism. The Conserve MAPL Project team includes Dr. Gerald M. Salas, Mr. Fernan I. Camara, Mr. Allain James T. Aquino, Engr. Russell A. Rivera, Mr. Francis Joseph R. Masa, Mr. Christian I. Apilado, Mr. Kyle Emmanuel D. Macalino, Ms. Dianne D. Arcilla, and Mr. Julius D. Verana.
