VSU Department of Forest Science marks 50 years with alumni homecoming, symposium

The Department of Forest Science (DFS) of Visayas State University (VSU) celebrated its 50th Golden Anniversary with a two-day Alumni Homecoming, bringing together forestry graduates, faculty members, students, and department partners to commemorate five decades of forestry education, service, and professional development. 

With the theme, “PAGDUMDOM: Forestry’s Golden Journey in Fostering Excellence and Innovation,” the celebration highlighted the department’s history and accomplishments while giving alumni and the current forestry community opportunities to reconnect, share experiences, and look toward the profession's future. 

A major highlight of the homecoming was recognizing distinguished alumni whose achievements and contributions have made an impact in various fields. The recognition honored alumni for accomplishments in areas including professional practice, leadership, research and innovation, public service, community development, and environmental stewardship. 

The celebration also featured a symposium on contemporary forestry and environmental issues, bringing together experts, practitioners, alumni, faculty, and students to discuss emerging concerns in natural resource management. 

Featured topics included Republic Act No. 11995 or Philippine Ecosystem and Natural Capital Accounting System (PENCAS), Nature-based Solutions (NbS), and responsible mining. 

Discussions on Nature-based Solutions explored the role of ecosystems in addressing challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss, disaster risk, and community vulnerability. 

Meanwhile, the session on responsible mining provided a venue to discuss environmental and social considerations in mineral resource development and the importance of responsible resource governance. 

The symposium reflected on the evolving role of forestry professionals, whose work increasingly intersects with forest management, biodiversity conservation, climate change, environmental governance, and sustainable development. 

The Alumni Homecoming gave graduates from different generations an opportunity to reconnect with former classmates and mentors and share experiences from their professional journeys. It also allowed current forestry students to interact with practicing professionals and gain insights into the diverse career paths of forestry graduates. 

“For fifty years, the Department of Forestry, now the Faculty of Forestry and Environmental Science (FFES), has stood as a beacon of ecological stewardship, pioneering research, and transformative education in Eastern Visayas, the country, and internationally. As we celebrate this landmark Golden Jubilee, I extend my deepest gratitude to the generations of faculty, staff, students, and alumni whose vision and passion have built our legacy,” Dr. Renezita S. Come, FFES Dean, said in a statement. 

“From local forest conservation to global environmental policy, our community's work over the past half-century has helped safeguard important ecosystems and drive sustainable innovation. As we honor our history, we also look ahead with boldness. The environmental challenges facing our planet in these challenging times require our continued dedication, scientific rigor, and collaborative spirit. Together, we recommit to cultivating the next generation of environmental leaders and building a resilient, sustainable future for the next fifty years and beyond," she added. 

As DFS looks back to five decades of its journey, the celebration served as a bridge between its past, present, and future. The achievements of the alumni are an important part of the Department’s legacy, while its students, faculty, and partners continue to advance forestry and environmental management. 

Through Pagdumdom, DFS celebrates its 50 years of cultivating forestry excellence and innovation while strengthening its commitment to shaping the next generation of forestry professionals and responding to the environmental challenges of the future.

This article aligns with United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4: Quality Education; SDG 13: Climate Action; and SDG 15: Life on Land.

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