A three-day (3) extension service devotedly committed by the Tarlac State University – College of Science faculty members and students from the Environmental Science Department. With a titled “Biodiversity Assessment in Shilan, La Trinidad, Benguet, which primary aim is to identify the existence of trees in the Agpay Forest using biodiversity assessment in order to preserve its natural beauty and develop it into an eco-tourism destination. Furthermore, both parties' recommendations—which can contribute to achieving Sustainable Development Goals 13 and 15—on climate action and life on land, respectively, have been carefully considered both prior to and following the assessment.
When the extension service began. The ESPs (Extension Service Providers) made an eye visit. This was done to create a strategic plan for how the assessment would begin. Relevance on that matter, they also held a consensus meeting to discuss the issue and decided on the strategies they would use to make their operations more dependable, efficient, and secure.
Meanwhile, on the following day, March 17, 2023, the TSU-COS and partner-beneficiary agreed upon stipulated on the Memorandum of Agreement. This was to ratify and enhance both sides’ understanding. Furthermore, on the same day, the ESPs planned for the primary objective of their extension service. Student volunteers from the COS-Environmental Science Department contributed their time as well as their expertise by collecting sample species and identifying their taxon, abundance, and variations based on their appearance, features, and characteristics with the guidance of the ESPs.
On the other hand, faculty members from TSU-COS played an active role in implementing this kind of extension service to promote and foster the development of our motherland. Mr. Emmanuel Lacadin, the extension's project head, led the team in deciding which relevant methodologies and techniques are pertinent and convenient to use before the assessment day. Additionally, Dr. Alma Corpuz, a COS pioneer faculty member, led the team by evaluating and developing the biodiversity report assessment based on information obtained from her colleagues and students.
