The Northwestern Ecotourism Park and Botanic Gardens (NUEBG) and the Philippine Native Plant Conservation Society invited a speaker to present on the Ecotourism Status of Ilocos Norte at the 2nd Northwesterniana Forum, drawing a diverse audience of plant enthusiasts, conservationists, botanists, horticulturists, and DENR officials, including DENR NCR Director Tony Manila.

Emcee Jasper Obico lightened the mood with a playful remark, saying, “We’re Facebook friends,” followed by, “Status: It’s complicated,” setting a friendly tone for the event. The speaker, now a full-time adventurer and blogger after leaving government service, shared firsthand experiences to promote their province as a tourist destination. They discussed how ecotourism is often misunderstood and emphasized the need for three key components environmental protection, community participation, and sustainable livelihoods to create a successful ecotourism model. Highlighting Ilocos Norte’s natural beauty, the speaker called for programs that involve local communities as both environmental stewards and beneficiaries, ensuring the preservation of the region’s landscapes while providing economic opportunities. 

Furthermore, during his presentation, NUEBG manager Michael Calaramo revealed the presence of acorns in the province, surprising co-speaker Shermon Cruz and the audience. He highlighted the abundance of native plants suitable for urban greening, pointing out many alternatives to the commonly used bougainvillea. Plant enthusiasts like Michael are deeply passionate about their subject, often blending enthusiasm with humor. The forum discussions emphasized the importance of conserving both the region’s ecological diversity and its unique native plants, ensuring their preservation for future generations. 

Moreover, there’s an endemic hoya-like specie named after Col Ben Nicolas, former president of the Northwestern Unversity. Visit the newly opened Asclepiadarium and Orchidarium of the NUEBG, a gem of a living museum of flora.

Reference:

https://blauearth.wordpress.com/tag/northwesterniana-forum/

ARRCN Introduction:

Asian Raptor Research & Conservation Network (ARRCN) Partnership with Northwestern University – Advancing Raptor Migration Science in Northern Luzon The Asian Raptor Research and Conservation Network (ARRCN) is a premier international organization dedicated to the study and conservation of birds of prey across Asia. It plays a critical role in enhancing scientific understanding, promoting regional cooperation, and guiding conservation strategies for migratory and resident raptor species. 

In 2016, ARRCN forged a meaningful partnership with Northwestern University in Laoag City, Philippines, to advance raptor migration studies within the country. This collaboration focuses on Northern Luzon, a strategic observation point along the East Asian Migratory Flyway, one of the world’s most important bird migration routes.

As part of this initiative, Northwestern University has conducted annual monitoring and migration counts since 2015, contributing valuable long-term data on the seasonal movement of various raptor species. The university’s field teams—composed of trained students, faculty researchers, and volunteers—document the timing, volume, and species composition of raptors passing through identified flyways in Ilocos Norte, including the highlands and coastal ridgelines

This partnership not only strengthens the scientific community’s understanding of migratory patterns but also raises awareness about the importance of habitat protection and conservation action in critical stopover sites. The sustained efforts of Northwestern University and ARRCN ensure that these magnificent birds continue to soar across Asia’s skies, guided by informed research and international collaboration.