USM’s BIOnihan Holds Tree-Growing and Biodiversity Monitoring Workshop

The University of Southern Mindanao (USM) BIOnihan Para sa Kalikasan Extension Project conducted a tree-growing activity and a biodiversity monitoring workshop in Columbio on November 9, 2024.

A total of 150 native trees were planted during the BIOnihan tree-growing activity. This event was part of Columbio’s initiative to address global issues related to climate change and to sustain and preserve its remaining forests.

Following the tree-planting activity, a Biodiversity Monitoring Workshop was held to train members of the Deputized Environment and Natural Resources Officers (DENRO) from various barangay local government units (BLGUs) in Columbio. The workshop focused on the Biodiversity Monitoring System (BMS) and highlighted the community’s vital role in biodiversity monitoring and conservation.

These activities were led and facilitated by Prof. Cromwel M. Jumao-as, Prof. Bryan Lloyd P. Bretaña, Dr. Cherie Cano-Mangaoang, Dr. Florence Roy P. Salvaña, Prof. Cyrelle M. Besana, and Dr. Maria Elena N. Tanabe, in collaboration with MENRO-Columbio, headed by Mr. Lauro V. Domondon.

Graduate students from the Master of Science in Rural Economic Development (MSRED) program also actively participated as co-facilitators, contributing to the success of the activities.