PACE marks 50th anniversary with symbolic tree planting at Mount Makiling By Ulderico Alviola LOS BAÑOS, LAGUNA
The Philippine Association of Communication Educators (PACE), the country’s oldest and largest professional organization of communication teachers, celebrated its 50th founding anniversary with a symbolic tree planting activity at the Makiling Botanic Gardens of the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) on October 25, 2025.
The activity, which was participated in by PACE members, faculty, students, and the current members of the Board of Trustees, was held as part of the three-day celebration of #PACE50, hosted by UPLB. The event aimed to highlight PACE’s continued commitment to responsible communication education anchored on environmental stewardship, and community service.
Five native fruit-bearing tree species were planted during the event to represent the organization’s five decades of existence. Among the species planted were Kamagong (Diospyros Blancoi), Malasaging (Canarium Ovatum), and Manggang Paho (Mangifera Altissima), which are all native to the Philippines and known for their ecological and cultural importance.
Prior to the planting, participants attended an orientation at the Toyota Environment and Education Theater, where they were introduced to the biodiversity and ecological significance of Mount Makiling, a protected forest reserve managed by UPLB.
Mount Makiling, which rises 1,090 meters above sea level, is considered one of the most important forest reserves in Luzon. It was declared an ASEAN Heritage Park in 2013 and serves as a major watershed for the provinces of Laguna and Batangas. The mountain is home to more than 2,000 species of flora and fauna, many of which are endemic to the Philippines.
The planted seedlings symbolize the organization’s core values and vision. The Kamagong, known as the “ironwood” of the Philippines, represents resilience and integrity; the Manggang Paho, a native mango variety, symbolizes creativity and authenticity; while the Malasaging, a lesser-known but ecologically beneficial tree, stands for continuity and quiet contribution.
According to outgoing PACE President Mark Lester Del Mundo Chico, the tree planting activity serves as a tangible expression of the organization’s advocacy to nurture both people and the planet.
“Our initiative this morning serves as a gesture to acknowledge the pivotal role of communication educators in pushing for sustainable development through education and community engagement. This approach is crucial in raising public awareness about environmental stewardship”, the PACE President said.
Mr. Chico also mentioned that the tree planting activity organized by the current trustees and students also serves as a symbolic gesture of passing the baton to a new generation of communication education leaders in the country.
The Philippine Association of Communication Educators was established in 1975 and now serves as a network of more than 70 colleges and universities offering communication programs nationwide.
Over the years, PACE has been instrumental in promoting excellence in communication education, research, and practice in the Philippines.
