𝐉𝐇𝐂𝐒𝐂 𝐢𝐬 𝐍𝐨𝐰 𝐚𝐧 𝐎𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐌𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐩𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐲 𝐄𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐍𝐞𝐭𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤, 𝐈𝐧𝐜.

J.H. Cerilles State College (JHCSC) has been officially recognized as a member of the Philippine Forestry Education Network (PFEN), Inc., thereby strengthening its commitment to advancing its forestry program. The Certificate of Membership was formally presented on October 23, 2025, at the RDE Hall of Visayas State University (VSU), Baybay City, Leyte, during the 2nd PFEN International Conference and General Assembly Meeting.

For. Nomar A. Ramoncito, BS Forestry Program Chairperson, and Ms. Rovana M. Jawani-Ramoncito, BSF Faculty, representing JHCSC at the conference, held from October 22 to 23, 2025, received the certificate on behalf of the institution. Furthermore, the College was also inducted as a new member institution of PFEN.

Themed “Building Bridges Towards Responsive, Responsible, and Sustainable Forest Landscape Restoration,” the conference brought together forestry experts, researchers, and practitioners from PFEN member SUCs and partnered agencies to spur creative conversations among stakeholders on the theory and practice of forest restoration through the forest landscape approach. The participants presented their institution’s projects/programs/research being conducted/implemented, relevant to the theme.

For. Ramoncito successfully presented the JHCSC’s study titled “Machine Learning–Based Spatial Prediction of Tree Carbon Storage and Mapping of Reforestation Priority Areas in Mt. Timolan Protected Landscape.” The research highlights how machine learning and remote sensing can guide data-driven reforestation and climate action. By identifying degraded and low-carbon zones, the work supports responsive, responsible, and sustainable forest restoration, thereby bridging the gap between technology and ecology to achieve a greener future.

JHCSC’s membership in PFEN marks a significant step toward fostering partnerships and knowledge sharing to strengthen its forestry program. Furthermore, it enhances the College’s capacity building in support of the nation’s environmental and forestry initiatives.