UPLB Institute of Renewable Natural Resources

25/08/2026

𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐝 𝐦𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐮𝐭𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐑𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐰𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐜𝐞𝐬 (𝐈𝐑𝐍𝐑)! 🌿💧

Congratulations to our faculty colleagues Dr. Margaret M. Calderon, Dr. Analyn L. Codilan, Asst. Prof. Jan Joseph V. Dida, Dr. Vanessa M. Palma-Torres, and Dr. Canesio D. Predo of IRNR, together with For. Angela Marie S. Alducente, for receiving the prestigious International Publication Award of the UP Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs (OVPAA) for their study published in the Philippine Journal of Science.

The study examines tourists’ knowledge of resort water sources in Los Baños and Calamba, Laguna, their willingness to pay for improved conservation of Mt. Makiling’s groundwater, and the potential of such payments to support sustainable water resource management. The study estimated a mean willingness to pay of Php 75 per visit, which could potentially generate PHP 159.52 million annually for Mt. Makiling management and resort water conservation.

A great example of how research from IRNR can inform policy and contribute to the sustainable management of our natural resources. Congratulations to our colleagues for this well-deserved recognition! Proudly IRNR! 💚🤎🤍💙

RESEARCH | Calamba City and Los Baños in Laguna benefit from the water ecosystem services of Mt. Makiling. Being a dormant volcano, it supplies hot water to springs and groundwater in the area, giving rise to a resort-based tourism industry. Over the years, the number of resorts has increased significantly, placing a toll on groundwater resources. Given the heavy reliance on groundwater by resorts in the area, this paper presents the findings of a contingent valuation (CV) study that examined tourists' knowledge of resort water sources, reasons for their visits, and their willingness to pay (WTP) for improved water conservation of Mt. Makiling.

About 50% of 492 respondents were aware of the resort’s water source, mostly saying it is hot springs, but only a few knew groundwater as the water source. The main reasons for visiting the resorts are for relaxation as well as their accessibility and affordability. The estimated mean WTP is PHP 75/visit. If captured, this can raise PHP 159.52 million/yr, with a present value of PHP 1.358 billion at a 10% discount rate over a 20-yr discounting period. The respondents’ primary motivation for WTP was conserving Mt. Makiling’s limited groundwater. Those unwilling to pay cited affordability concerns and opposition to paying for pool water recycling. Insights about implementing a CV survey online are also discussed.

This study recommends that local governments enact policies to capture WTP for improved groundwater conservation, utilizing the funds generated for Mt. Makiling management and resort water conservation measures.

Authors: Margaret M. Calderon, Analyn L. Codilan, Jan Joseph V. Dida, Vanessa M. Palma-Torres, Angela Marie S. Alducente, and Canesio D. Predo (Institute of Renewable Natural Resources, College of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of the Philippines Los Baños)

Published in the Philippine Journal of Science

Read more: https://ovpaa.up.edu.ph/research/visitors-estimated-mean-willingness-to-pay-for-water-conservation-in-mt-makiling-is-php-75-per-visit/

25/08/2026

📣 𝐂𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐌𝐭. 𝐀𝐩𝐨 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐤 𝐕𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐬! 🌿🏔️

Have you visited Mt. Apo Natural Park (MANP) within the past five years (2022-2026)? We’d love to hear from you!

We are inviting local and international visitors aged 18 and above to participate in our survey and share your experiences, perspectives, and insights about visiting MANP. Your responses will help contribute to research supporting the conservation and sustainable development of Mt. Apo Natural Park.

📝 Take the survey and be a part of this important study!

Access the survey via this link:
tinyurl.com/MANPSurvey
tinyurl.com/MANPSurvey
tinyurl.com/MANPSurvey

20/08/2026

📢 𝐂𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐀𝐠𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞/𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐲/𝐀𝐠𝐫𝐨𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐲 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬, 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐟𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐬, 𝐏𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐲 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐬!

The University of the Philippines Los Baños is exploring the development of a Bachelor of Science in Agroforestry (BS Agroforestry) degree program. The program is being proposed as a joint academic offering of the College of Forestry and Natural Resources (CFNR) and the College of Agriculture and Food Science (CAFS).

This survey is intended for representatives across a wide range of sectors, including:
✅Government agencies
✅NGOs or non-profit organizations
✅Private enterprises involved in agribusiness or forestry
✅Environmental consultancy firms
✅Professionals and stakeholders from research or academic institutions
✅International development agencies and organizations
✅People’s organizations and cooperatives

Your input will help shape future agroforestry professionals with the competencies your sector needs.

📋 Answer the survey here: https://bit.ly/UPLB_BSAgroforestry_Employers

We invite you to share this survey opportunity with professionals and team members throughout your network.

11/08/2026

🌱 𝐂𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐠𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬!
The UPLB College of Agriculture and Food Science (CAFS) and the College of Forestry and Natural Resources (CFNR) are developing a proposal for a BS Agroforestry Degree Program.
We invite the following to answer the demand survey:
✅ Grade 10 students
✅ Senior high school students
✅ Recent senior high school graduates planning to enter college
✅ Other prospective college applicants interested in agriculture, forestry, environmental conservation, climate action, and sustainable development
Your responses will help assess student interest and guide the development of the proposed degree program.
📋 Answer the survey here:
https://bit.ly/UPLB_BSAgroforestry_Students
Please share this survey with prospective college students who may be interested. Thank you!

03/08/2026

𝗪𝗘𝗟𝗖𝗢𝗠𝗘 𝗠𝗚𝗔 𝗕𝗔𝗚𝗢𝗡𝗚 𝗜𝗦𝗞𝗢𝗟𝗔𝗥 𝗡𝗚 𝗕𝗔𝗬𝗔𝗡! 💚💙🤍🤎

The Institute of Renewable Natural Resources warmly welcomes the newest batch of Bachelor and Associate of Science in Forestry students during the 2026 CFNR Freshies Convocation! 🌿

As you begin the 𝗙𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝗦𝗲𝗺𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿, 𝗔.𝗬. 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲–𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟳, we look forward to being part of your academic journey and supporting you as you grow into future forestry and natural resources professionals.

Get to know more about IRNR through the following links:

🌐 𝗜𝗥𝗡𝗥 𝗪𝗲𝗯𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗲: https://irnr.uplb.edu.ph/
📘 𝗜𝗥𝗡𝗥 𝗙𝗮𝗰𝗲𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗣𝗮𝗴𝗲: https://www.facebook.com/uplb.cfnr.irnr
👥 𝗜𝗥𝗡𝗥 𝗙𝗮𝗰𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘆: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1EKySYbb6n/

Welcome to the IRNR community, future foresters! 💚

31/07/2026

🌿 𝗛𝗮𝗽𝗽𝘆 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱 𝗥𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗿 𝗗𝗮𝘆! 👷🏼

The Institute of Renewable Natural Resources (IRNR) proudly honors our Forest Rangers, the dedicated frontliners of forest protection and conservation.

This year’s theme, “Rangers: Guardians of a Changing Planet,” recognizes their vital role in protecting forests and wildlife, engaging communities, enforcing environmental laws, and safeguarding our natural resources.

Not all heroes wear capes, but our Forest Rangers wear theirs with courage, dedication, and pride. 💚

Today, we celebrate their unwavering service in protecting nature for present and future generations.

World Ranger Day is supported by the International Ranger Federation (IRF) and is observed worldwide to recognize and honor the vital work of rangers.

💚 Mention a Forest Ranger you know and help us honor their invaluable work!

📖 Read more about World Ranger Day 2026: https://www.internationalrangers.org/world-ranger-day-2026/

29/07/2026

📣👷🏼𝐈𝐑𝐍𝐑 𝐒𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐓𝐨𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐬🌳💚

Hello, students!
Looking for interesting and relevant courses to take this coming semester? Explore the special topics offered by the Institute of Renewable Natural Resources (IRNR) for the 1st Semester, AY 2026–2027:

🌿 FRM 191: Applied Data Analytics for Forestry and Natural Resources
🌳 FRM 191: Tree Risk and Health Assessment of Tropical Trees for Urban Landscapes
🌎 FRM 191: Introduction to Payments for Ecosystem Services
📊 FRM 291: Ecosystem Accounting

These courses are now available for enlistment through AMIS. Check them out and consider adding these exciting learning opportunities to your semester!

28/07/2026

📣 𝐃𝐞𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐮𝐫𝐯𝐞𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐚𝐧 𝐀𝐝𝐝𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐍𝐑𝐂 𝟏𝟑𝟎 (𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞-𝐛𝐚𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐋𝐞𝐢𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐎𝐮𝐭𝐝𝐨𝐨𝐫 𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧) 📣

The Institute of Renewable Natural Resources (IRNR) is conducting a demand survey through a Google Form to assess student interest in the possible opening of an additional section of NRC 130 (Nature-based Leisure and Outdoor Recreation).

Your response will help the Institute determine whether there is sufficient demand to justify offering another section.

🔗 Answer the survey here:
bit.ly/NRC130DemandSurvey12627
bit.ly/NRC130DemandSurvey12627
bit.ly/NRC130DemandSurvey12627

Important: Submission of this form does not guarantee that an additional section will be opened or that you will be enrolled in it.

Thank you for your participation!

13/07/2026

𝐏𝐈𝐒𝐀𝐘-𝐂𝐀𝐋𝐀𝐁𝐀𝐑𝐙𝐎𝐍 𝐒𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐮𝐭𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐑𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐰𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐜𝐞𝐬!

From 30 June to 07 July 2026, students from Philippine Science High School – CALABARZON Region Campus (PISAY-CALABARZON) participated in a week-long immersion program at the Institute of Renewable Natural Resources.

Throughout the program, the students took part in a series of lectures, laboratory exercises, field demonstrations, and hands-on activities that provided them with valuable exposure to the diverse fields of forestry and natural resources management. The various lectures and activities include tree measurement, forest surveying, water quality and quantity assessment, parks and outdoor recreation, soil sampling and analysis, basic applications of GIS, drone operation, tree climbing, and chainsaw use.

The immersion also gave the students an opportunity to interact with IRNR faculty members, researchers, and staff, allowing them to learn from experts and appreciate how science and innovation contribute to environmental conservation and sustainable development.

We hope this experience has inspired our young students to become future leaders and advocates for the sustainable management of our forests and natural resources!

02/07/2026

𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐀𝐜𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐜 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩𝐬 𝐓𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝐄𝐱𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞 🌏🌿

On 30 June 2026, the Environmental Remote Sensing and Geomatics (ERSG) Laboratory of the Institute of Renewable Natural Resources (IRNR), CFNR-UPLB, welcomed Dr. Ahram Song, Associate Professor from Kyungpook National University (KNU), together with two Indonesian graduate students from KNU, for an academic and laboratory visit.
The visit forms part of a graduate exchange program aimed at providing students with firsthand exposure to the educational and research environment of another university. Through interactions with the ERSG Laboratory, the delegates explored ongoing research initiatives, exchanged knowledge and experiences, and fostered opportunities for future academic and research collaborations.
IRNR is honored to be part of this meaningful exchange, reinforcing its commitment to internationalization, research excellence, and the cultivation of strong global academic networks as we continue to soar higher.