“I am honored and happy that our forestry faculty members are initiating this research collaboration with DOST… . This is just the first project, which would test their commitment, knowledge, skills and integrity to deliver the outcomes.”
Nothing more than being overwhelmed was expected from CTU Argao Campus Director Juanita Pinote after getting through the inception meeting on January 8, as the first phase of the major project in research granted to CTU Argao to begin this year’s operation.
From January 2018 through December 2020, Prof. Enrico Replan, as project leader, is working on the 17.8 million project: Flora and Fauna Assessment Using Permanent Biodiversity Monitoring System (PBMS) in Cebu Island KBAs. He is joined by Dr. Archiebald Baltazar B. Malaki, Engr. Ritchie U. Nuevo, Dr. Edgardo Lillo, Dr. Steve Michael Alcazar and 2 other admin members join Prof. Replan.
Dr. Pinote is careful to maintain financial integrity until the project is completed. Argao’s implementation is monitored by the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCAARRD).
The DOST-Niche Centers in the Regions for R&D (NICER) Program entails publication of three technical papers, four floral and four faunal copyrighted guidebooks, flaura and fauna database distribution, interactive resource maps and native tree planting materials.
The project is also expected to ink MOAs with local government units (LGUs) in Argao, Malabuyoc, Alcoy, Dalaguete, and Alegria, which would result in having people trained in biodiversity assessment in key biodiversity areas (KBAs).
Guided by sustainable forest biodiversity management plans,the research team will coordinate with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)- Biodiversity Management Bureau (BMB) for the policy reports concerning the LGUs.
“The project will impact the community since after the assessment and monitoring of the flora and fauna, people will be educated to protect and value … these resources…the habitat… and will take care of the environment,” Dr. Pinote added.