Conserve Mt. Arayat Protected Landscape

12/08/2026

𝗖𝗘𝗟𝗘𝗕𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗘 | 𝗛𝗮𝗽𝗽𝘆 𝗕𝗶𝗿𝘁𝗵𝗱𝗮𝘆, 𝗠𝗿. 𝗔𝗹𝗹𝗮𝗶𝗻 𝗝𝗮𝗺𝗲𝘀 𝗧. 𝗔𝗾𝘂𝗶𝗻𝗼!

Today, we celebrate the birthday of Mr. Allain James T. Aquino, our Forestry Expert and Community Steward whose dedication continues to help nurture both the forests of Mt. Arayat and the communities that care for them.

From establishing community tree nurseries to promoting native species propagation and sustainable forest management, his work reminds us that conservation becomes stronger when people and nature grow together. 🌱

May your special day be filled with joy, meaningful moments, and renewed inspiration as you continue planting seeds of conservation, strengthening communities, and helping build a greener and more resilient Mt. Arayat.

Happy Birthday, Allain!
Thank you for your dedication, passion, and commitment to the forest and the communities you serve.

20/07/2026

𝗣𝗥𝗢𝗝𝗘𝗖𝗧 𝗨𝗣𝗗𝗔𝗧𝗘 | 𝗪𝗘𝗟𝗖𝗢𝗠𝗘 𝗧𝗢 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗣𝗥𝗢𝗝𝗘𝗖𝗧

Welcome to Pampanga State Agricultural University, Engr. Steven Gerald Miller! 🇺🇸🤝🇵🇭

Pampanga State Agricultural University proudly welcomes Engr. Steven Gerald Miller, a Peace Corps Response Volunteer, who will be joining the Mount Arayat Protected Landscape Project under the leadership of Dr. Gerald M. Salas.

With over 40 years of professional engineering experience, Mr. Miller has built an impressive career in environmental protection, water resources management, environmental risk management, stormwater management, and watershed protection. His extensive expertise will strengthen the University's research, extension, and conservation initiatives, contributing to science-based and community-driven efforts toward the sustainable management of the Mount Arayat Protected Landscape.

We are honored to have Mr. Miller as part of our growing network of international collaborators dedicated to environmental stewardship, knowledge exchange, and sustainable development.

Welcome to the PSAU community, Mr. Miller! We look forward to the meaningful impact of your service and collaboration.

20/07/2026

𝗣𝗥𝗢𝗝𝗘𝗖𝗧 𝗨𝗣𝗗𝗔𝗧𝗘 | 𝗖𝗹𝗶𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗘𝘅𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲

Pampanga State Agricultural University (PSAU) proudly launched its participation in the Climate Story Exchange and Co-designed Dialogue – From Distraction to Action, held from July 8–10, 2026, in collaboration with the University of Melbourne, SWISP Lab, Melbourne Climate Futures, and Science Gallery Melbourne.

Bringing together 15 Bachelor of Science in Biology students and faculty facilitators, the program created a dynamic international learning space where participants from climate-vulnerable communities across Asia and Australia shared stories, exchanged perspectives, and explored community-driven solutions to climate change.

The opening program was highlighted by an inspiring message from Asst. Prof. Camille Rose Carl R. Mendoza, PSAU's international outbound faculty member and PhD candidate at the University of Melbourne, who encouraged participants to embrace global collaboration, meaningful dialogue, and collective action for a more sustainable future.

Organized by the Office of Public Affairs and International Linkages (OPAIL) in partnership with the Mount Arayat Protected Landscape Project and the Department of Biology, the initiative reflects PSAU's steadfast commitment to internationalization, environmental education, and empowering future scientists to become catalysts for climate action.

Together, we are transforming local stories into global conversations and building partnerships that inspire resilient communities and sustainable futures.

🌱 Supporting SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

08/07/2026

29/06/2026

🎉 Happy Birthday, Dr. Gerald M. Salas! 🎉

Today, we celebrate not only your special day but also your remarkable leadership and unwavering dedication as the Project Leader of the Mt. Arayat Protected Landscape.

Your commitment to biodiversity conservation, environmental stewardship, and community engagement continues to inspire the entire team and all those who share the vision of protecting our natural heritage. May this new chapter of your life bring you abundant blessings, good health, continued success, and happiness in all your endeavors.

Wishing you a wonderful birthday filled with joy, love, and countless reasons to smile. Here's to another year of making a meaningful impact for nature and future generations.

Happy Birthday, Doc Gerald! 🥳🌿🎂

11/06/2026

𝗨𝗣𝗗𝗔𝗧𝗘 | 𝗣𝗥𝗢𝗝𝗘𝗖𝗧
𝗖𝗮𝗽𝗮𝗰𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗕𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘀 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗧𝗿𝗲𝗲 𝗡𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘆 𝗘𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗶𝗻 𝗦𝘁𝗼. 𝗡𝗶ñ𝗼, 𝗠𝗮𝗴𝗮𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗴

Sto. Niño, Magalang, Pampanga — 11 June 2026 — Capacity building activities on nursery management practices were conducted in Sto. Niño, Magalang, Pampanga as part of efforts to support the establishment of a community tree nursery.

The activity provided participants with knowledge and practical guidance on nursery management practices necessary for the development and maintenance of a community-based tree nursery. The initiative aims to strengthen local capacity for tree seedling production and nursery operations within the community.

The establishment of a community tree nursery serves as a foundation for future tree-growing and environmental conservation efforts by ensuring the availability of planting materials and promoting community participation in nursery management.

08/06/2026

𝗞𝗨𝗗𝗢𝗦 | 𝗣𝗦𝗔𝗨 𝗘𝗮𝗿𝗻𝘀 𝟲𝟴𝘁𝗵 𝗚𝗹𝗼𝗯𝗮𝗹 𝗥𝗮𝗻𝗸 𝗶𝗻 𝗪𝗨𝗥𝗜 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 𝗘𝗦𝗚 𝗖𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗴𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗲 𝗠𝗔𝗣𝗟 𝗣𝗵𝗮𝘀𝗲 𝟮

Magalang, Pampanga — 08 June 2026 — Pampanga State Agricultural University (PSAU) has once again gained international recognition in the World University Rankings for Innovation (WURI), securing 68th place globally in the 2026 Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Category under A8. SDG- and ESG-Based Responses to Past and Present Global Challenges through the Conserve MAPL Project Phase 2.

The recognition builds upon the University's strong performance in WURI 2025, when Conserve MAPL Phase 1, formally titled “Conservation and Management of Mt. Arayat Protected Landscape through Enhanced Community Participation – Phase 1,” ranked 9th worldwide in the ESG Trend Category. The project was also recognized as the highest-ranking PSAU entry that year, placing 4th in the Philippines and 1st in Central Luzon.

Funded by the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARRD), the Conserve MAPL Project advances science-based and community-driven conservation initiatives within the Mt. Arayat Protected Landscape (MAPL). The project focuses on the protection, restoration, and sustainable management of this ecologically significant landscape, which serves as an important habitat for endemic biodiversity and vital forest ecosystems in Pampanga.

Grounded in a socio-ecological systems (SES) framework, Conserve MAPL promotes collaboration among local communities, government agencies, and academic institutions to strengthen environmental governance, resource stewardship, and collective action for conservation. Through science-based and participatory approaches, the project contributes to building resilient landscapes and empowered communities.

The successive recognition of Conserve MAPL in both the 2025 and 2026 WURI rankings highlights PSAU's continuing efforts to address contemporary environmental challenges through innovation, sustainability, and stakeholder engagement.

Through these initiatives, the project supports SDG 15: Life on Land – Target 15.2: Promote the implementation of sustainable management of all types of forests, while advancing ESG principles through inclusive and locally grounded conservation strategies.

05/06/2026

𝗜𝗡𝗦𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗧 | 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱 𝗘𝗻𝘃𝗶𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗗𝗮𝘆 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲
𝗜𝗻𝘀𝗽𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗯𝘆 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲. 𝗙𝗼𝗿 𝗖𝗹𝗶𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗲. 𝗙𝗼𝗿 𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗙𝘂𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲.

As the world observes World Environment Day 2026, this year's theme, “Inspired by Nature. For Climate. For Our Future,” reminds us that nature is not only affected by climate change—it is also one of our strongest allies in addressing it.

Across the globe, rising temperatures, stronger storms, prolonged droughts, and other extreme weather events serve as urgent signals that climate action can no longer be delayed. Through the campaign slogan , communities are encouraged to listen to the Earth's warnings and take collective action to protect the ecosystems that sustain life.

At the heart of Pampanga stands the Mount Arayat Protected Landscape, a vital natural refuge that demonstrates how healthy ecosystems contribute to climate resilience. Its forests help absorb carbon dioxide, regulate water systems, support biodiversity, and provide habitat for numerous plant and animal species. These ecological functions underscore the importance of protected landscapes in helping communities adapt to and mitigate the impacts of climate change.

The conservation of Mt. Arayat directly supports SDG 13: Climate Action, which calls for urgent measures to combat climate change and its impacts. By maintaining forest cover and strengthening ecosystem resilience, protected areas contribute to climate mitigation and adaptation efforts.

Its protection also advances SDG 15: Life on Land – Target 15.1: Conserve terrestrial ecosystems, by safeguarding forests, biodiversity, and natural habitats that are essential for ecological balance and environmental sustainability.

This World Environment Day, the message is clear: nature offers solutions to some of humanity's greatest challenges. By protecting landscapes such as Mt. Arayat, we respond to the climate crisis while helping secure a healthier and more sustainable future for generations to come.

01/06/2026

𝗨𝗣𝗗𝗔𝗧𝗘 | 𝗠𝗔𝗣𝗟 𝗧𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗚𝗼𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗕𝗮𝗹𝗲𝗿, 𝗔𝘂𝗿𝗼𝗿𝗮 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗕𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗵𝗺𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗔𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗶𝘁𝘆

As part of the implementation of the DOST-PCAARRD-funded project, "Conservation and Management of Mt. Arayat Protected Landscape through Enhanced Community Participation (Conserve MAPL)," the project team conducted a benchmarking activity on May 28, 2026, at Aurora Memorial Protected Landscape and Villa Aurora Eco-Tourism Area in Baler, Aurora.

The activity provided valuable learning opportunities on biodiversity conservation, wildlife protection, habitat restoration, visitor management, and sustainable ecotourism development. Through discussions and site visits, the team gained insights into conservation practices that help protect native species and their habitats while promoting responsible tourism and community involvement.

The knowledge and best practices gathered from this activity will contribute to the development of strategies and interventions for the effective conservation and management of Mt. Arayat Protected Landscape. These lessons will also support efforts to strengthen stakeholder participation, environmental education, biodiversity monitoring, and sustainable nature-based tourism within the protected area.

This benchmarking activity contributes to the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 15 (Life on Land), SDG 13 (Climate Action), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

Through collaboration, learning, and innovation, the Conserve MAPL Project continues to advance science-based conservation and sustainable development for the protection of Mt. Arayat's rich biodiversity and natural heritage.

22/05/2026

𝗧𝗛𝗜𝗦 𝗗𝗔𝗬 | 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗗𝗮𝘆 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗕𝗶𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗴𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗗𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗶𝘁𝘆

Mt. Arayat, Pampanga — 22 May 2026 — Conserve MAPL conducted its regular biodiversity monitoring activity in Mt. Arayat Protected Landscape in observance of the International Day for Biological Diversity with the theme “Acting Locally for Global Impact.”

During the monitoring activity, the team documented sightings of a Luzon Hornbill and a family of Philippine Macaques, indicating the continued presence of wildlife within the protected landscape and reflecting the importance of maintaining healthy forest ecosystems.

The activity also included discussions with local tour guides on the ecological importance of these species and their role in sustaining the biodiversity of Mt. Arayat. The engagement emphasized that reversing biodiversity loss requires collective participation from local communities, indigenous peoples, stakeholders, and conservation groups alongside government efforts.

The initiative supports SDG 15: Life on Land – Target 15.1: Conserve terrestrial ecosystems through biodiversity conservation and habitat protection, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals by encouraging community participation and collaborative environmental stewardship.

The International Day for Biological Diversity highlights the importance of local actions in contributing to global biodiversity conservation and ecosystem protection.