The UPLB College of Forestry and Natural Resources celebrated its 114th Founding Anniversary on April 18, 2024, at the Nicolas P. Lansigan Auditorium. The celebration followed the theme “From Roots to Canopy: Honoring our Legacy, Cultivating our Future – Commemorating 114 Years of Forestry Excellence at CFNR” to look back at the humble roots of the college that served as anchors to its growth in the present. 

In his inspirational message, Chancellor Jose V. Camacho, Jr. commended CFNR as a beacon of excellence in forestry education and innovation, particularly for its recognition in the ASEAN region. He mentioned that the college’s humble beginnings serve as reminders of the resilience, dedication, and passion of CFNR, which is now the home of a community of scholars, researchers, and environmental advocates. He also commended CFNR’s contribution to scientific productivity, its spirit of service and dedication to fostering sustainable forest management, and its efforts to achieve greater heights through forestry education and public service.

Expounding on the theme, CFNR Dean Marlo D. Mendoza mentioned that the college’s crown or canopy refers to its countless achievements and victories as a CHED Center of Excellence in Forestry Education and being the sole university with a certified BS Forestry Program by the ASEAN University Network Quality Assurance. For Dean Mendoza, the solid trunk of the college signifies the local and global networks of CFNR with national and international organizations and universities to ensure an expanded canopy. 

Finally, CFNR’s crown and trunk are grounded in an extensive root system that refers to CFNR’s core values, beliefs, and character, which led to its relevance and longevity. By being responsive to the needs of various stakeholders, Dean Mendoza said that he believed that CFNR would continue to champion forests as the backbone of resilience.

CFNR awarded 12 faculty and staff for serving the college for 25, 30, 35, or 40 years of service, while 12 retirees were recognized, and three were awarded posthumously. The college also recognized those who received the UP Scientist titles under the UP Scientific Productivity Award, namely Drs. Marilyn S. Combalicer, Rose Jane J. Peras, Jenielyn T. Padrones, and Wilfredo Carandang; UP Professorial Chair awardees, Drs. Nathaniel C. Bantayan, Margaret M. Calderon, Vida Q. Carandang, Renato L. Lapitan, Manuel L. Castillo, Crusty E. Tinio, and Dean Mendoza. Dr. Juan M. Pulhin was given the Oustanding Contribution in Forestry Education in the Asia Pacific Region Award. The winners of the 14th National Forestry Olympiad Champions, Cristienne Alfred C. Ramos, Ralph B. Macalindong, Ma. Elizabeth E. Farenas, Kevin Ryan O. Guzman, and their head coach, faculty member Marie Jessica C. Gabriel, were also given recognition.

CFNR also recognized its outstanding personnel with various awards. The Forest Legacy Award (academic category) was given to Dr. Florentino O. Tesoro; Outstanding Teacher in the Biological Sciences to Dr. Crusty E. Tinio; Outstanding Researcher in Social Sciences and Humanities to Dr. Lorena L. Sabino; Outstanding Researcher in the Natural Sciences (senior category) to Arthur Glenn A. Umali; Outstanding Researcher in the Natural Sciences (senior and junior research and extension personnel) Ma. Theresa Nemesis P. Ocampo and Ma. Armie Janica R. Pleto, respectively; Outstanding Extension Personnel in the Social Sciences and Humanities to Elsa P. Santos; and Outstanding Extension Personel in the Natural Sciences to Jan Joseph V. Dida.

Meanwhile, CFNR also gave the Bukod-Tangi awards to the following: Bukod-Tangi-blue collar staff to Domingo B. Suiza; Bukod-Tangi-technical staff to Reden D. Macalagay; and Bukod-Tangi-office staff to Meliza S. Fajardo. The college gave the Outstanding Research Team Award to The Almaciga Socio-Economics and Policy Team and the Outstanding Extension Project Team Award to the Participatory Development Through Community-Based Natural Resources Management in Mount Makiling Forest Reserve and Mount Bulalo Project of the Makiling Center for Mountain Ecosystems.

Five recipients gave their acceptance remarks where they reflected on their personal journeys and professional experiences that led to them becoming recipients of awards. At the end of the program, Dr. Analyn D. Codilan, associate dean, expressed her gratitude to the program attendees and congratulated all the award recipients for their service, dedication, and commitment to the college. (PJB Del Rosario)