PRB conducts inspection and monitoring at CAF’s Department of Forestry
The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) through the Professional Regulatory Board (PRB) for Foresters conducted an inspection and monitoring of the Department of Forestry of the College of Agriculture and Forestry (CAF) last 2 March 2022.
In pursuant of RA 10690 also known as “The Forestry Profession Act” of 2014 (RA 6239 or The Forestry Profession Law of 1971 was repealed in pursuant of RA 8981 or PRC Modernization Act of 2000), Ms. Mailyn R. Ugali, Senior Officer, from PRC Region III, San Fernando, Pampanga, headed the inspection team. The conduct of the activity was abided through the PRC Resolution No. 1471 s 2021 also known as the “Revised Inspection and Monitoring Guidelines”
Held at the Bamboo Training Center (BTC) of TAU, the team from PRB implemented blended activities. They conducted a face-to-face and on-site inspection and monitoring to visit and observe the different physical facilities, laboratory, and equipment of the department after holding an online conference via Zoom. Hon. Neria A. Andin, PRB Chairperson together with the members of the board, Hon. Jose A. Lorenzo, and Hon. Gerardo T. Cabreros graced the online forum. Hon. Monina T. Uriarte, former PRB Chairperson, and now serves as Technical Adviser of the PRB, also attended the said online conference.
Meanwhile, the TAU team, headed by Dr. Max P. Guillermo, the University President, Dr. Edmar N. Franquera, the Dean of College of Agriculture and Forestry, and all faculty of the Department of Forestry headed by For. Mileatte P. Omaney, Program Chair, welcomed the visitors from the PRB and took charge of presenting the necessary details and developmental initiatives of the department.
As part of the program, Hon. Andin emphasized that the primary objective of the activity is developmental where it creates an opportunity to learn from one another, how both parties can support, help, and work with one another. Also, For. Omaney presented the profile of the department of forestry which includes the history, organizational structure, programs, projects, facilities, laboratory, and equipment.
Moreover, Dr. Guillermo also highlighted the Bamboo as one of the commodities in Central Luzon where TAU is the focal institution for research and development. It was also affirmed by the board that the initiative of the university is relevant and significant especially with the commitment of the commission to participate and contribute to the Carbon Neutrality Program of the country.
Other major highlights of the discussion were the plans and programs for research, extension and production, i.e. bamboo product development, enterprise, carbon sequestration potential, carbon footprinting, carbon stocks, carbon credit, among others. Despite some findings that were set during the discussion, i.e. faculty development, board passer percentage, mapping/tracing of forestry graduates and professionals, and some minor concerns, TAU is positive to take the recommendations as a challenge for the welfare of its constituents as well as the improvement of its forestry programs.
Text by Mark Anthony L. Bagsit
Photo courtesy of the Planning and Development Office