Environmental Biology students went on a week-long journey of environmental enlightenment around Rizal province from March 19-23.

The classes visited several ecotourism sites starting with the Pililla Wind Farm, a 54 MW power production facility nestled in the town of Pililla. The facility consisted of 13 giant wind turbines which harness winds from the Pacific Ocean, providing the region with a renewable source of clean energy from wind power. The facility was built with the support of a Spanish company and became an ecotourism site, benefiting the surrounding community and creating new livelihood from the influx of visitors eager to witness the mammoth electric fans.

DLSU-D professor Dr. Arnold Fonollera further explained to the students that wind power is a promising alternative to fossil fuels due to its inexhaustible nature, zero source of carbon, and therefore does not contribute to global warming. The students also visited the highlands of Tanay and went spelunking in Calinawan Cave, another popular ecotourism site.

The trip culminated in a tree planting activity inside the Harana Ecopark, in compliance to Sec. 8 of RA 10176, otherwise known as “Arbor Day Act of 2012”, which states that “all able-bodied citizens of the Philippines who are at least 12 years of age shall be required to plant one tree every year.