Kalikbayan, CWTS Lecture-Seminar on Environmental Protection

The UP Diliman National Service Training Program (NSTP) – College of Architecture held its CWTS Lecture-Seminar on Environmental Protection entitled “Kalikbayan” last September 29, 2025 at the Benito Sy Pow Auditorium, UP College of Architecture.

Kalikbayan aims to enhance student sensitivity to local and global environmental issues, deepen their understanding of factors contributing to environmental degradation, and inspire the application of best practices in environmental protection and conservation. With lectures and discussions on Philippine native trees, the use of technology and crowdsourcing in identifying them, and institution-led initiatives for environment and biodiversity preservation, the event was supported by the UP Resilience Institute (UPRI), the Philippine Association of University Women – UP Chapter (PAUW UP), and the Philippine Native Tree Enthusiasts (PNTE).

The program was opened by Asst. Prof. Lawrence Intalan, NSTP College of Architecture Coordinator, followed by an inspirational message from Atty. Edlyn Frances Verzola, President of PAUW UP.

Dr. Mahar Lagmay, Executive Director of the UPRI, presented their new tree planting mobile app GINA (Grow and Identify Native Trees in your Area) to the students. GINA enables users to record and track the growth of both endemic and indigenous native trees. It also serves as a tool to identify them in one’s neighborhood using Artificial Intelligence with contributions made engaging and rewarding through gamification. GINA PH is free and available from Google Play.

Ms. Arceli Tungol, Founder of PNTE and Member of PAUW UP, discussed about Philippine native trees, the differences between endemic, indigenous, and exotic plant species, and the important role native trees provide in the preservation and enhancement of Philippine biodiversity.

The program was concluded by Dr. Leticia Susan Lagmay-Solis, Chairperson of the Parks, Biodiversity, and Environment Committee of PAUW UP, with the initiatives of their organization for environmental awareness and biodiversity preservation. These includes partnerships with academic units for the design of inclusive parks, native tree walks, and tree planting activities, in collaboration with the UPRI, PNTE, and other allied organizations.

The students were also given free seeds by the PAUW UP, which they are encouraged to plant in their locality. Through Kalikbayan, students were empowered not only to learn about the critical role of native trees and collective environmental initiatives, but also to take concrete steps in nurturing biodiversity and safeguarding the environment for future generations.