Central Mindanao University Academic Paradise of the South
In a significant stride towards fostering environmental sustainability, Central Mindanao University (CMU), through the College of Forestry and Environmental Science (CFES), recently achieved a pivotal milestone by formalizing two Memoranda of Agreement, held at the Farmers Training Center on January 22.
These agreements focus on providing technical assistance in the riparian and vegetative assessment, as well as the restoration of buffer zones within the Dole-Stanfilco Bukidnon Plantations and Project Robustβa tree-growing initiative within schools under the Department of Education-Bukidnon Division.
Dr. George R. Puno, Dean of CFES, emphasized that the event goes beyond mere formalization; it is a celebration of partnership, innovation, and a shared dedication to preserving the ecological integrity of the planet. “Through this collaboration, we acknowledge the importance of sharing expertise, technical assistance, community engagement, and innovative practices to restore and enhance the ecological integrity of Dole-Stanfilco Plantation and Project Robust,” he stated.
EnP Eric N. Bruno, Chief of the GEOMin and a key faculty member involved in the project disclosed that the first Memorandum of Agreement seeks to replicate the success of the 2021 project, which covered five sites in the South Cluster of Dole-Stanfilco plantation. The focus is enhancing the riparian and vegetative buffer in the Dole-Stanfilco banana plantations. CMU commits to profiling the flora and fauna diversity of the riparian forest, assessing carbon stock, determining the carbon neutrality of company operations, and designing a comprehensive forest restoration strategy.
The positive impact of the previous engagement was lauded by Dole-Stanfilco key officials, recognizing its contribution to their environmental protection program and Corporate Social Responsibility. Anticipating similar success in the North Cluster, they expressed eagerness to expand the collaboration to other areas of Dole-Stanfilco Plantations, emphasizing the importance of aligning business practices with nature.
Meanwhile, the second Memorandum of Agreement focuses on a three-year tree-growing program within schools of the Department of Education-Bukidnon Division. CMU, through CFES, commits to conducting educational and informational drives about environmental management and conservation, recommending suitable tree species for planting, and providing technical inputs during site visits.
Key faculty involved in the project due to their expertise include Dr. Angela Grace I. Toledo-Bruno on terrestrial fauna assessment; EnP. Eric N. Bruno on land use planning; Dr. Lowell G. Aribal on flora taxonomy and assessment; Dr. Rodriga G. Aguinsatan on social forestry; and Dr. Adrian M. Tulod on carbon stock assessment and forest restoration along with other CFES faculty and students. This collaborative effort not only provides partnership and extension services to partner agencies but also fosters student participation in flora and fauna assessments.
Moreover, Dr. Rolito G. Eballe, University President, thanked Dole-Stanfilco for considering higher education institutions like CMU as partners. He highlighted the University’s eagerness to share technical assistance and extend its expertise as part of its mandates. This collaborative effort signifies a harmonious relationship between academia, industry, and the education sectorβa model for advancing sustainable practices and environmental stewardship.
The signing ceremony was attended by Dole-Stanfilco Bukidnon North and South Cluster key officials, Kasilak Development Foundation Director and Coordinators, University Research, and Extension Directors, CFES Dean and faculty members, and the University President. [Iyren Dalipe Neri]
