The Biodiversity Enhancement and Sustainable Solutions for Local Development (BESOLD) Extension Program: Year 1, which focused on tree planting and landscape restoration at Jubilee Cross Hill (JCH), Barangay San Juan in Matalom, Leyte successfully culminated on December 12–13, 2025.
Said extension program was spearheaded by Eastern Visayas State University (EVSU) and the Local Government Unit of Matalom through a memorandum of agreement signed in December 2024. JCH in Matalom, Leyte is envisioned as a future local pilgrimage and tourism site, given its environmental and cultural significance.
The culminating activity featured lectures on “Geotagging Process for Tree Monitoring” by Ms. Kristine Obrar from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) region 8 and a Master in Public and Resource Management (MPRM) student of the university. The lecture provided community participants with practical guidance on monitoring and documenting tree-growing initiatives under the National Greening Program. Another talk on “Environmental Planning & Community Partnerships,” by Ms. Sharmaine Ida, an MPRM student employed at the Environmental Management Bureau Region 8, emphasized the vital role of community in sustaining environmental projects.
Year 1 program milestones were presented by Dr. Pearl Aphrodite B. Carnice, Team Leader of BESOLD. The report highlighted key accomplishments during the 2024-2025 implementation period, which centered on tree and landscape restoration efforts for local biodiversity at Jubilee Cross Hill.
Following the signing of commitment for Year 2, the program allowed forum for feedback and suggestions from the residents and officials of Barangay San Juan. This ensures that community inputs remain central to the project’s plans. As part of the program’s social responsibility component, Christmas packs were distributed to households.
Present in the activity were Dr. Ramil M. Perez, MPRM organization adviser and Graduate School Faculty, Giselle Janna Joyce C. Morcilla, Mary Grace H. Aruta and Dr. Rose Anna L. Refuerzo, Dean of the School of Accountancy, Management, and Entrepreneurship, who delivered her message of thanks and acknowledged the wholehearted support and collaboration of all partner stakeholders.
Attendees included notable participation from EVSU Doctor of Management and Master in Public and Resource Management (MPRM) students, who actively engaged in discussions and on-site activities.
Looking ahead, BESOLD Year 2 activities will focus on Community Education and Awareness Campaigns for 2026-2027.
This article is aligned with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 13: Climate Action; SDG 15: Life on Land; SDG 17: Partnerships for the goals
