Bobby Alaman - MUCEP
December 18, 2025 11:30 A.M.
27
Nurturing Biodiversity Awareness: MU Unveils Malin in Malindang for Young Learners
As an institution that champions environmental advocacies, Misamis University presents “Malin in Malindang”, a storybook that features the biological and ecological diversity of Mt. Malindang Range Natural Park (MMRNP). Mt. Malindang is recognized as an ASEAN Heritage Park, serving as a watershed for Misamis Occidental, Zamboanga del Norte, and Zamboanga del Sur.
Highlighting the Department of Education’s advocacy for contextualization and localization, the story follows Malin, a young girl who visits MMRNP with her Dad. In the middle of an adventure, Malin observes various species, interacts with the Subanen indigenous people (IPs) who serve as guardians of the mountains, and visits the ecotourism landmarks of MMRNP. Though primarily designed for Key Stage 2 learners, it is a material for lifelong learning that promotes environmental awareness, responsibility, stewardship, and the artistic appreciation of MMRNP.
THE PROCESS
“Malin in Malindang” is a collaborative project among the different colleges and departments of Misamis University. Meetings and feedback sessions were conducted to ensure the quality of output and diverse perspectives from experts in education, research, and the environment.
The story writing was led by Dr. Russel P. Galindo (Director, MU Research Center) and Ms. Caryl Trishia E. Yapac (MUCEP Staff). The technical team involves EnP. Grace V. Villanueva, Dr. Analyn S. Clarin, Dr. Genelyn R. Baluyos, Dr. Yunalyn L. Villantes, Mrs. Juby H. Vallejo, For. Bobby B. Alaman, For. Jersam C. Calago, Ms. Goldah Grace D. Sultan, Ms. Emmarie F. Mapi-ot, Atty. Noe V. Calipusan, and Mr. Rey S. Fernandez.
THE LAUNCH
After more than a year of critiquing sessions and revisions, the story was finally shared with the public in time for the 21st Malindang Week on July 30, 2025. The first audience was the Grade 4 Basic Education students of Misamis University. The program consisted of interactive games, storytelling proper, and a short reflection.
THE STORYTELLING
Malin’s journey in Malindang brings inspiration to learn something new and to take action. The story has been shared with different communities protected and supported by the MMRNP.
With the support of Dr. Karen Belina F. De Leon (University President), Misamis University’s “Malin in Malindang” is one of the outputs under the project “Valuation of Forest Ecosystem Services of Mt. Malindang Range Natural Park (MMRNP), Misamis Occidental.” It is funded by the Department of Science and Technology - Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARRD). Partner agencies involve the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), National Commission on Indigenous Peoples, the MMRNP Protected Area Management Board, ASEAN Heritage Parks, the Department of Education, and the Province of Misamis Occidental.
As of this writing, copies of the storybook are being produced with the support of the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity (ACB) and Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP)–Ozamiz. These will be distributed to MU’s partner schools to empower grade schoolers to serve as information ambassadors and advocates of Mt. Malindang throughout Misamis Occidental and nearby provinces in the Zamboanga Peninsula. The initiative aims to inspire children to take an active role in the protection, appreciation, and stewardship of the Mt. Malindang Range Natural Park (MMRNP).
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