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| Representatives of De La Salle Lipa's Community Involvement Office at the La Salle Botanical Gardens in Porac, Pampanga for the Nursery Seedling Management Workshop (Image Source: De La Salle Lipa) |
In a continued effort to promote environmental sustainability and community engagement, a group of Lasallian Partners from De La Salle Lipa (DLSL), through the facilitation of the DLSL Community Involvement Office, participated in the Nursery Seedling Management Workshop Activity at the La Salle Botanical Gardens (LSBG) in Porac, Pampanga last February 26, 2025. This initiative aligns with DLSL’s sustainability commitments as a STARS ® Silver-Rated institution under the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE) self-reporting framework and reinforces its Community Involvement initiatives as a top institution in the region for Community Involvement, as recognized by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED).
The Lasallian partners were welcomed by LSBG National Program Coordinator Jesiree Elena Ann “Jaja” Bibar along with her team and LSBG nursery caretaker Alvin Sanchez and a member of the indigenous Aeta community from Brgy. Sapang Uwak in Porac, Pampanga. Jaja led discussions on the objectives, progress, and future development plans for LSBG, emphasizing its vision to become a hub for scientific research, environmental education, and conservation efforts. Participants also had the opportunity to hear from Alvin who shared his experiences and dedication to plant propagation and maintenance, underscoring the vital role of indigenous communities in sustainability efforts. Located just 18 kilometers from Mount Pinatubo within the Porac's Alviera Estate, the La Salle Botanical Gardens faces unique challenges in plant propagation due to the site’s sandy soil composition, a result of volcanic material deposits from past eruptions. The success of cultivating native trees and plant species depends mainly on their suitability with the soil and climatic conditions. As part of its long-term vision, LSBG will prioritize identifying and nurturing native plant species that can thrive in these conditions, contributing to ecological restoration and biodiversity conservation in the area.
As a project of the Philippine Lasallian Family together with the 16 La Salle schools in the Philippines, the La Salle Botanical Gardens (LSBG) is currently managed through the Lasallian Institute for the Environment (LIFE) and will serve as a hub for scientific research, conservation, and education. According to Jaja, the garden will offer an immersive learning experience, particularly for biology and environmental science students, allowing them to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world environmental settings while deepening their commitment to sustainability. Landscape architects and scientists in the fields of plant taxonomy and botanical garden management have played a significant role in the development of LSBG and will continue to be actively involved, providing essential expertise to ensure the garden's success and impact. DLSL’s participation in this initiative reflects its strong and continuing commitment to environmental sustainability and community development. The institution continues to champion initiatives that address ecological concerns and meaningfully engage local communities. Moreover, since 2017, it has implemented numerous energy-efficient and carbon-reducing projects, furthering its role in advancing environmental advocacy and education.
Jaja, on behalf of LIFE, encourages Lasallians and the larger Filipino community to actively participate in safeguarding the environment in every way they can. She also expressed LIFE’s hope that more people will visit LSBG, especially in the years to come, once its development projects are completed, allowing for greater educational, research, and conservation opportunities. The first priority areas of LSBG’s physical development — a multipurpose pavilion, visitors’ center, nursery complex, three themed gardens, bunker house, and restrooms — are aimed to be completed within 2026. Expansion will continue in phases in the coming months and years. DLSL’s next visit is scheduled for May 15, 2025, reinforcing its ongoing commitment to nurturing and supporting the La Salle Botanical Gardens’ mission. Through initiatives like this, De La Salle Lipa continues to bridge sustainability, education, and community involvement — solidifying its role as a leader in fostering ecological responsibility and social impact.
(With words by Cristina Alfarita Larombi, De La Salle Lipa)
For more information on La Salle Botanical Gardens and the Lasallian Institute for the Environment (LIFE), visit https://www.delasalle.ph/life and https://www.lasallebotanical.org/. To view the plans and details of the LSBG Master Plan, visit the official LSBG Youtube Channel at www.youtube.com/@LSBGOfficial.
